US singer D4vd to go on trial for murder in death of teen

What the report says

BBC World News reported that a Los Angeles judge has ordered US musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial on a murder charge in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling followed a five-day preliminary hearing in which prosecutors called about a dozen witnesses and presented photographic material while members of the teenager’s family were in court.

Burke, 21, is accused of killing Hernandez after her remains were discovered last September in a Tesla linked to his address, according to the BBC report. He has entered not-guilty pleas to charges including murder and sexual abuse. His arraignment is set for 31 August, and the BBC reported that the trial is expected to begin within 90 days after that court date.

Prosecutors alleged in court that Burke had sexually abused Hernandez over a period of years and stabbed her after she arrived at his Hollywood home in an Uber they said he arranged. They also alleged he dismembered her body. The prosecution’s theory, as described by the BBC, is that Burke killed the teenager because she had threatened to expose his relationship with a minor and harm his music career.

The report said evidence read in court included messages Hernandez allegedly sent Burke on 22 April 2025 during a dispute involving his friendship with another girl. The next day, prosecutors said, Hernandez travelled to Burke’s home. The judge’s decision does not determine guilt, but it moves the case into the next stage of criminal proceedings.