A Los Angeles judge has ordered US musician D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, to stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing. Prosecutors presented testimony from a dozen witnesses and graphic photographic evidence.
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Hernandez's remains were found last September in a Tesla registered to Burke's home.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The trial is set to begin within 90 days after Burke is charged on August 31.
Allegations and Evidence
Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Hernandez and dismembered her body after years of sexual abuse.
They claim he killed her because she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his multimillion-dollar music career.
Evidence read in court included threatening text messages Hernandez sent Burke in April 2025, warning she would kill him and ruin his life.
Hernandez reportedly arrived at Burke's Hollywood home in an Uber he sent. Prosecutors say Burke stabbed her upon arrival.
Detective Corey Farrell of the Los Angeles Police Department testified that text messages showed the defendant and Hernandez attended church together.
Farrell also noted Hernandez misrepresented her age to Burke, claiming to be 16 and 18 at different times.
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Burke's defense argued insufficient evidence exists to prove guilt.
They said Hernandez's parents were aware of the relationship and consented to her traveling with Burke to London for a week.
