Singer D4vd to Face Trial Over Alleged Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas

A Los Angeles court has ruled that singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, will stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling was made after prosecutors presented evidence over five days, alleging that Burke murdered Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship. According to the prosecution, Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in a car, and evidence presented includes records of Burke purchasing chainsaws and plastic wading pools, as well as DNA matching Rivas Hernandez found on bloodstains in his garage. The defence argued that there was insufficient evidence to support a murder charge, stating that communications between Burke and Rivas Hernandez showed no threat or history of violence. However, prosecutors maintained that the evidence against Burke was overwhelming, with Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman saying, 'The people have met their burden on all counts.' Judge Charlaine Olmedo found that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for a trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to be arraigned on August 31. The case has drawn attention due to the graphic nature of the evidence presented, including sexually explicit photographs and text messages allegedly documenting the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors also alleged that Burke attempted to cover up the killing by sending messages from Rivas Hernandez's phone after her death, asking where she was and expressing concern for her welfare. The Los Angeles District Attorney's office is still considering whether to seek the death penalty in the case.