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Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is set to face trial after a Los Angeles judge ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence in the case involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
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The case began after Celeste’s remains were discovered inside a Tesla linked to Burke in September 2025, months after she was reported missing.
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Prosecutors have presented evidence including text messages, phone records and forensic findings, while Burke’s defence team has maintained that the evidence does not prove he caused her death.
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This timeline covers the reported relationship between Burke and Celeste, the investigation that followed, and the court proceedings leading to the upcoming trial.
July 28, (THEWILL) — Nearly a year after Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered inside a Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard, prosecutors have presented their case against singer D4vd, alleging that he killed and dismembered the 14-year-old to prevent details of their relationship from becoming public.
The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
After a five-day preliminary hearing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled on Monday, July 27, that there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
The defence has continued to dispute the allegations, arguing that the evidence presented does not prove Burke was responsible for Celeste’s death.
Below is a timeline of the key events in the case, from the reported connection between Burke and Celeste to the investigation and court proceedings that followed.
Prosecutors Say Burke and Celeste First Connected
According to prosecutors, D4vd first met Celeste Rivas Hernandez in 2022, when she was 11 years old.
They allege that the pair began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when Burke was 18 and Celeste was 13. The allegation later became part of the charges brought against the singer.
Early 2024: Celeste Reported Missing
Celeste was reported missing three times in early 2024, according to authorities.
Her first missing-person report was filed in February 2024. She later returned home but was reported missing again in March and for a final time in April.
During this period, investigators later examined possible links between Celeste and Burke, including social media activity, photographs and other digital evidence.
2024–Early 2025: Investigators Examine Their Connection
Investigators said Celeste continued to appear in Burke’s orbit after she was first reported missing.
Prosecutors later presented evidence, including photographs, digital records and messages, which they said showed an ongoing connection between the two.
The defence has disputed the prosecution’s claims and argued that the evidence does not prove Burke committed the crime.
April 2025: Prosecutors’ Timeline of Celeste’s Death
Prosecutors believe Celeste was killed on or around April 23, 2025.
According to evidence presented in court, the pair exchanged messages before Celeste travelled to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home in an Uber arranged by him.
Prosecutors said the two had an argument before her death and alleged that Celeste had threatened to reveal details about their relationship and damage Burke’s music career.
The defence has argued that the messages showed Celeste wanted to meet Burke and that the evidence does not establish his involvement in her death.
September 2025: Celeste’s Remains Discovered
Celeste’s remains were found inside the trunk of a Tesla connected to Burke after the vehicle was moved to a Los Angeles tow yard following a report of a foul odour.
Investigators said the remains had severely decomposed. Prosecutors later told the court that Celeste’s head, torso, and limbs were found inside separate bags in the vehicle’s trunk.
Investigators later identified the remains as belonging to Celeste. Prosecutors told the court that the discovery led to a major investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
At the time, Burke was away on tour promoting his album “Withered.”
2026: Arrest and Charges
In April 2026, Burke was arrested and charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors later pointed to text messages, phone records, DNA findings and purchases of items connected to the investigation, including chainsaws, body bags and an inflatable pool allegedly bought under aliases linked to Burke.
While two chainsaws recovered in his garage tested negative for blood, investigators maintain a missing third chainsaw ordered by Burke was used in the crime.
July 2026: Judge Sends Case to Trial
After the preliminary hearing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence for the case to move forward.
During the five-day preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence including text messages, phone records, DNA findings and purchases they said were connected to the investigation.
Witnesses also testified about items recovered during searches, including chainsaws, an inflatable pool and other materials prosecutors said were relevant to their case.
Prosecutors also argued that Burke killed and dismembered Celeste in an attempt to prevent details of their alleged relationship from becoming public.
The defence challenged the evidence, arguing that it did not prove Burke was responsible for her death.
Burke is scheduled to return to court for arraignment on August 31, with a trial expected to begin after further proceedings.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
