Singer and TikTok star D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was ordered to stand trial in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after a five-day preliminary hearing. Prosecutors presented evidence, including text exchanges between Burke and Celeste, to convince a judge that Burke should face trial for first-degree murder and other charges.
Background
Burke, 19, had a relationship with Celeste, who was 13 at the time. The two had been in contact for several years, and prosecutors presented a timeline of their interactions. Burke’s phone records showed that he had invited Celeste to his home on the night of her disappearance.
The prosecution’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, including text messages and phone records. Burke’s defense team argued that the evidence was insufficient to prove his guilt. The judge, however, ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
Charges
Burke is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains. The murder charge includes special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness in a criminal investigation.
Celeste’s family has expressed relief that Burke will stand trial. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is expected to decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
