D4vd headed to trial as judge finds enough evidence
A Los Angeles judge ruled that d4vd is headed to trial after finding enough evidence in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. David Anthony Burke pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related charges and remains held without bail as the case moves forward.
Key Takeaways
- Judge Charlaine Olmedo held Burke to answer after a five-day preliminary hearing, finding prosecutors met their burden on all charges.
- Burke faces first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
- Prosecutors allege he killed Rivas Hernandez on April 23, 2025, to stop her from exposing an illegal sexual relationship.
- Burke remains without bail; a post-preliminary arraignment is set for Aug. 31, 2026, with trial expected within about 90 days.
- The defense maintains he did not cause her death; the district attorney is weighing whether to seek the death penalty.
Why did a judge decide d4vd is headed to trial?
On Monday, July 27, 2026, Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that prosecutors presented sufficient cause to send the case to trial. Rolling Stone reported her finding that, for preliminary-hearing purposes, “the people have met their burden of proof on all charges,” and she ordered Burke “held to answer.”
The ruling followed five days of testimony that included forensic evidence, phone records, and text messages. Prosecutors argued they showed far more than the probable-cause standard required at this stage. The defense had moved to dismiss, arguing the evidence did not support first-degree murder or special-circumstance claims.
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What charges and allegations are at issue?
Burke, known professionally as d4vd, is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty. Special-circumstance allegations include lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing to prevent reporting of abuse.
Prosecutors say Rivas Hernandez was last seen alive after arriving by Uber at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home around 10:10 p.m. on April 23, 2025. They allege she was stabbed and later dismembered, with remains found Sept. 8, 2025, in bags inside the front trunk of his impounded Tesla.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the crime “horrific and barbaric” and said trial evidence would prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense attorneys have said the evidence will show Burke did not murder Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death.
What happens next after the judge’s ruling?
Burke remains in custody without bail. Court reporting places a further appearance around Aug. 10 and a post-preliminary arraignment on Aug. 31, 2026, with trial expected within roughly 90 days of that date.
Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. An attorney for Rivas Hernandez’s family said relatives were relieved the case will proceed to trial and credited investigators and prosecutors for their work.
A preliminary hearing is not a finding of guilt. It only decides whether enough evidence exists for a jury trial. That threshold has now been met, and the d4vd headed trial judge decision clears the path for the next stage of the case.