A judge ruled prosecutors presented enough evidence for D4vd's murder case to go to trial.
The legal case surrounding singer D4vd has reached a major milestone. After a five-day preliminary hearing, a Los Angeles judge ruled there is enough evidence for the artist to stand trial over the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The decision moves one of the music industry's most closely watched criminal cases a step closer to a jury.
Judge Says There's Enough Evidence To Move Forward
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
According to prosecutors, Burke had an illegal relationship with Hernandez before allegedly killing her in April 2025 after she threatened to expose the affair. Prosecutors claim he feared the revelation would destroy his rapidly growing music career.
During the five-day hearing, investigators presented surveillance footage, witness testimony, forensic evidence, and DNA findings. Prosecutors also alleged Burke purchased chainsaws, cadaver bags, cleaning supplies, and other materials shortly after the girl's disappearance.
Authorities further claim Hernandez's body was dismembered before being hidden inside the front trunk of Burke's Tesla, where her remains were eventually discovered months later.
Burke's attorneys denied the allegations throughout the hearing and continue to maintain that the singer is innocent.
What's Next for D4vd?
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled prosecutors had met the legal threshold required for the case to proceed to trial. Burke is expected back in court on August 31 for his arraignment before the case moves toward a jury trial.
Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they intend to seek the death penalty if Burke is convicted.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of Burke's success as D4vd. The singer quickly became one of the biggest breakout artists in recent years thanks to viral hits like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me. Now, however, these criminal proceedings have overshadowed his music career.
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