Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for singer D4vd to stand trial for the murder and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer, whose legal name is David Burke, faces charges including murder and sexual abuse following a 10-month investigation.
Why it matters
The case highlights a high-profile criminal proceeding involving a rising public figure and raises serious questions about celebrity accountability and violent crime.
A judge ruled on Monday (July 27, 2026) that there is enough evidence to put D4vd on trial in the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who authorities said had threatened to expose their relationship and crater the indie-pop singer's rising career just a few days before his debut album dropped.
“i will end ur career and ur life,” she told him in a text message sent the night before her death.
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo decided that evidence presented during a preliminary hearing provided probable cause for a trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
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