Judge Rules D4vd Will Stand Trial After Finding Sufficient Evidence in Murder Case

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence for singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, to stand trial in one of the year’s most closely followed criminal cases.

The ruling came after a five-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors outlined their theory of the case through forensic evidence, digital records, expert testimony, and witness statements. Burke has pleaded not guilty to every charge and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Judge Finds Probable Cause

At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that prosecutors had established probable cause for the case to proceed.

The ruling does not determine guilt. Instead, it means the court found sufficient evidence for the charges to be presented before a jury during a full criminal trial.

Burke remains jailed without bail, and his arraignment on the information is scheduled for Aug. 31, with trial expected to follow.

Prosecutors Presented Extensive Evidence

During the hearing, prosecutors introduced testimony from detectives, forensic experts, criminalists, and the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

According to the prosecution, evidence included DNA recovered from Burke’s home, digital communications, online purchase records, GPS data, financial evidence, and testimony regarding the recovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains from Burke’s impounded Tesla.

Medical examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified that the teenager died from multiple penetrating injuries and ruled the death a homicide despite the advanced decomposition of the remains.

Charges Remain Unchanged

Burke continues to face multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Prosecutors allege the killing occurred after the victim threatened to reveal an unlawful relationship that could have damaged Burke’s rapidly growing music career. They also allege he later attempted to conceal evidence.

Burke has denied all allegations through his not guilty plea.

Defense Argues Evidence Is Circumstantial

Throughout the preliminary hearing, Burke’s attorneys challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.

The defense argued that much of the state’s case is circumstantial and contended prosecutors had not established that Burke intentionally caused the victim’s death.

Those arguments, however, did not persuade the judge that the case should be dismissed before trial.

Trial Will Be Closely Watched

The upcoming trial is expected to feature months of digital evidence, forensic testimony, and expert witnesses as both sides present their cases before a jury.

Because prosecutors have alleged special circumstances, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is still considering whether to seek the death penalty if Burke is ultimately convicted.

For now, the case enters its next phase, where a jury—not the judge who presided over the preliminary hearing—will ultimately decide whether the prosecution has proven its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.