American singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been ordered to stand trial over the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A Los Angeles judge ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to a full trial.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to reveal details about their relationship. Her remains were discovered months later inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
Burke faces charges including first-degree murder, child sexual abuse and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors have presented forensic evidence, DNA evidence, photographs and messages as part of their case.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have maintained that he did not kill the teenager. His defence has argued that the evidence does not establish that he committed murder.
The ruling means the case will now move towards a full jury trial. Burke is scheduled to return to court for an arraignment on August 31, with the trial potentially beginning within the following weeks.