Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez - AP News

What the report says

Associated Press reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled Monday that singer D4vd must stand trial in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Judge Charlaine Olmedo found probable cause after a five-day preliminary hearing on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

D4vd, 21, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty. AP reported that his attorneys challenged the sufficiency of the murder evidence but did not contest the other two charges at this stage, and they declined to comment outside court. Burke was ordered to remain jailed without bail, with an arraignment scheduled for Aug. 31.

The case began after authorities found the dismembered, decomposing body of Rivas Hernandez in the trunk of a Tesla owned by Burke in the Hollywood Hills in September, while he was on tour. AP said evidence presented in court included autopsy photographs, descriptions and depictions of alleged sexual abuse, and text messages from the teen shortly before her death. Prosecutors alleged she had threatened to expose a relationship that could damage Burke’s career days before his debut album release.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors had shown only a portion of their evidence and were still deciding whether to seek the death penalty. The judge also found probable cause for special-circumstance allegations including lying in wait, killing for financial gain and killing a potential witness, AP reported.