A Los Angeles judge determined on Monday that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial for singer D4vd, accused of murdering and dismembering 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, authorities reported. Prosecutors say she had threatened to expose their relationship and terminate his career.
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo concluded that the evidence presented during a five‑day preliminary hearing establishes probable cause for trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
“The people have met their burden on all counts,” Olmedo stated. The court ordered that the defendant remain in custody without bail.
D4vd, a 21‑year‑old artist born David Burke whose career was gaining momentum before the allegations, has entered a not‑guilty plea. He displayed no visible reaction as the judge delivered the ruling. Defense counsel declined to comment after the proceeding.
Olmedo noted that the probable‑cause standard applicable to preliminary hearings is considerably lower than the threshold required for conviction at trial. Nonetheless, prosecutors described the presented evidence as overwhelming.
“Based on the mountains of evidence presented,” Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said, “all of the allegations have been substantiated beyond the standard required.”
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