Celeste Rivas Case: D4vd to Face Trial for Homicide

Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that there is sufficient evidence to bring singer D4vd to trial. David Anthony Burke, 21 years old, is accused of the alleged murder and dismemberment of Mexican-American teenager Celeste Rivas Hernández, 14 years old. The decision was made following a 5-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Rivas Hernández was last seen on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s residence in Hollywood Hills. Five months later, her decomposed remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer.

The prosecution accuses Burke of first-degree murder and continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14 years old, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The artist pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail pending the formal reading of charges.

What Did the Judge Decide and What Charges Does He Face?

After hearing more than 10 witnesses and reviewing forensic evidence, Olmedo concluded that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence for a jury to evaluate the case. The ruling does not imply a conviction, but does confirm that the prosecution’s case exceeds the minimum threshold to proceed to trial.

According to court documents, Burke is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances. These include killing a witness, acting for financial benefit and allegedly attacking after lying in wait for the victim. This could make him eligible for life without parole or even the death penalty, depending on the county prosecutor’s decision.codes.

In addition to the main charge, the singer faces accusations of continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14 years old and lewd acts with a child. He is also accused of mutilating human remains by dismembering the teenager’s body.

The defense argues that Burke was not the cause of death and questions the way evidence was collected. His lawyers have stated in writing that “the actual evidence will demonstrate that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernández and was not the cause of her death.” For now, the artist remains in custody without bail. The formal reading of charges is scheduled for August 31, and the trial date has not yet been set.

What Happened to Celeste Rivas?

According to the prosecution, Celeste was transported by a ride-sharing service to Burke’s home on the morning of April 23, 2025. Text messages included in the court record show that the young woman sent a final message indicating she was “almost arriving” and asking the singer to open the door.

After arriving in Hollywood Hills, Rivas Hernández’s phone went silent permanently. Her family, residents of Lake Elsinore, southeast of Los Angeles, reported her missing. And for months, the search focused on a