Judge orders singer D4vd to stand trial for murder
A Los Angeles judge ordered singer D4vd to stand trial over the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ordered singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial on murder charges during a court hearing. The 21-year-old musician faces charges involving the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The court ruled that prosecutors met the legal burden of proof on all counts presented during the proceedings.
Deadline reported that the formal criminal complaint includes charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors also filed special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness. The state further alleged that Burke personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, specifically a sharp instrument, during the commission of the crime.
Burke entered a not guilty plea to the charges whilst appearing behind a glass barrier at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Centre. Defence lawyer Blair Berk requested a fast-tracked evidentiary hearing, stating that the actual evidence would demonstrate her client did not murder the victim. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated the prosecution team was prepared to present the extensive evidence collected by investigators.
The arrest occurred at Burke's rented Hollywood Hills home following an eight-month investigation. Law enforcement officials previously discovered Hernandez's decomposed body inside the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to the singer. The victim was last seen on April 23 before visiting Burke's Los Angeles home, where she was allegedly subjected to sexual abuse before her death.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that the evidence presented represents a fraction of the material proving Burke's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted on the charges, Burke faces a maximum penalty of execution or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Judge Olmedo ordered Burke to remain held without bail ahead of his next arraignment scheduled for August 31.
