US singer D4vd to go on trial for murder in death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
US musician D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, will stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege the singer killed the teenager to prevent her from exposing their relationship and damaging his career.
Why it matters
Highlights a high-profile criminal case involving a public figure and serious allegations of abuse and murder.
Figure caption, BBC reports from outside court after judge rules singer D4vd will stand trial for murder
A judge has ruled that US musician D4vd will go on trial for murder over the death of a teenage girl.
The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing, in which Los Angeles prosecutors questioned a dozen witnesses and displayed graphic photographic evidence as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family watched on.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing the girl, whose remains were found last September in a Tesla registered to his address.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering and sexually abusing her.
Burke is scheduled to be charged on 31 August. The trial is to start within 90 days of that date.
Prosecutors have alleged Burke stabbed the teen before dismembering her body after years of sexual abuse.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in