Judge Rules There’s Enough Evidence for d4vd Murder Trial
Sandego.net – A Los Angeles judge ruled Monday there is enough evidence to move forward in the murder case against singer d4vd, who is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling came after a five-day preliminary hearing featuring more than 10 witnesses as prosecutors demonstrated sufficient grounds for trial. The hearing included harrowing testimony about Celeste’s mutilated body discovered in the trunk of d4vd’s Tesla in September last year, along with crime-scene analysis and items purchased from Amazon under an alias.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faces accusations of killing and dismembering the teenage girl to prevent her from disclosing details about their relationship before his album release, prosecutors said. Meanwhile, d4vd’s attorney has stated that “the actual evidence in this case” will show he didn’t kill Celeste, and that “he was not the cause of her death.” He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said prosecutors met the burden of evidence for the charges and special circumstances, setting an arraignment for August 31.
“We believe that the evidence at trial will be overwhelming to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on the three charges with which Mr. Burke will be charged,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
Olmedo also ruled that d4vd would be held without bail. A trial date could be scheduled as early as 60 days after the arraignment, Hochman said outside court Monday. An attorney for d4vd declined to comment on the judge’s decision regarding the proceedings.
Evidence and Testimony Highlights
The case against d4vd, a rising star who had already performed at high-profile events such as Coachella and on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, drew widespread attention because of his fame, the gruesome nature of Celeste’s death, and her age. The car had been abandoned for months before the remains of the teenager — who had since been reported missing — were found while d4vd was on a world tour. Olmedo was the sole decider on whether a probable cause standard was met in the case.
The standard differs from the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt legal burden of proof needed during a trial for a criminal conviction, Hochman previously told reporters. Prosecutors were not obligated at the preliminary hearing to show all the evidence they intend to present at trial, and they could rely on certain evidence, such as hearsay, that is not allowed in that space, he said. Celeste’s parents were in the courtroom “to show strength” for their daughter, family attorney Patrick Steinfeld said.
The parents were present as the prosecutor showed images of Celeste’s mutilated remains that were found in two bags in the Tesla after it was moved to a Hollywood tow lot. “There was an image of Celeste’s torso and her head in the trunk of the car, and the prosecutor had to ask what it was. Because you could not tell it was a head,” Steinfeld said. As they were displayed, Celeste’s mother lowered her head and started crying, Steinfeld said. It was the first time the teenager’s family saw how their daughter was found, he said.
As the prosecutor delved into the specifics of the evidence they have so far, the attorneys representing d4vd spent time questioning how evidence was collected. Defense attorney Blair Berk asked why several items found in the home d4vd stayed at, including two chainsaws, were not kept as evidence. The two chainsaws were tested, but there was no indication blood was on them, Los Angeles Police Department Det. Joshua Byers and a forensic criminalist testified. “Speaking to the criminalist, if those chainsaws were used to dismember a body, there would be no way they couldn’t have blood” on them, Byers said while testifying Tuesday. Records show d4vd purchased a third chainsaw, but it was never recovered, he said.
Additional Evidence and Next Steps
Other evidence discussed included a blue inflatable pool, which prosecutors allege d4vd used to prevent Celeste’s blood from spilling onto the garage floor, according to a brief filed in court, as well as DNA test results from potential blood samples found on several items in the house that showed a high probability of being from Celeste. Berk also noted during questioning the DNA could have been from a long time ago, or “a secondary transfer.” The prosecutor showed records from a cellphone connected to d4vd’s account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is d4vd facing in this case? d4vd is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains.
When is the arraignment scheduled? Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo set the arraignment for August 31, 2026.
Will d4vd be released on bail? No, Judge Olmedo ruled that d4vd will be held without bail pending trial.
How soon could the trial begin? A trial date could be scheduled as early as 60 days after the arraignment, according to District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
What key evidence was presented at the preliminary hearing? Evidence included Celeste’s mutilated remains found in d4vd’s Tesla, crime-scene analysis, Amazon purchases under an alias, DNA samples, chainsaws, and an inflatable pool allegedly used to contain blood.
