A judge has ruled that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, will face trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This decision follows a five-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors have accused Burke of killing Hernandez and dismembering her body with a chainsaw in his garage. He was charged with her murder on April 20 and has pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse.
Hernandez's remains were reportedly found in the front boot of a Tesla registered to Burke last September. During the preliminary hearing, a homicide detective testified that Burke had purchased a body bag, chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel online after the victim's death.
The court heard that Burke's DNA was found on garbage bags related to the case and that 11 air fresheners were discovered in his Tesla alongside the human remains. Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Hernandez and dismembered her body to conceal the murder, following years of alleged sexual abuse. It is also alleged he killed her because she threatened to expose his relationship with a minor and damage his music career.
Burke has denied the charges, telling police he did not know Hernandez was a minor and had only met her once in person. The trial is scheduled to begin within 90 days of August 31.