Nearly a year after police found a decomposing body in his abandoned car, American singer D4vd will go to trial for murder. The “Romantic Homicide” singer is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that there is enough evidence to put D4vd on trial for the killing and dismemberment of Celeste. Over the past few days, the singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been in the preliminary hearing for his involvement in the case.
To recap, back in September 2025, police found the teenager’s decomposing and dismembered body in an abandoned Tesla that belonged to D4vd. Forensic investigations suggest that Celeste died several months before. During the hearing, prosecutors alleged that she died on 23rd April 2025 after D4vd fatally stabbed her.
After months of investigation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office formally charged D4vd in April 2026 with first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. As D4vd’s preliminary hearing went on, more and more claims against the singer emerged.
According to reports, D4vd allegedly impregnated Celeste when she was 13 and forced her to get an abortion. Authorities believed that the singer had killed the teen because she threatened to expose him for having a sexual relationship with a minor, which would destroy his rising music career. After fatally stabbing her, he allegedly dismembered her body using a chainsaw.
D4vd is due to appear in court on 31st August 2026 (Monday) for his arraignment. The judge has ordered the murder trial to begin within 90 days, or as soon as 60 days, from the arraignment date. If convicted as charged, the singer faces the death penalty or life in state prison without the possibility of parole.
The star has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Shockingly, when the judge issued her ruling, D4vd reportedly showed no emotions, watching calmly and intently as he had throughout the proceedings. Reports say he appeared stoic even when the prosecutors presented evidence of his relationship with Celeste.
Online, netizens have shared their reactions to the case, mostly expressing horror at the new details and evidence. For now, we can only wait for the trial to proceed to find out what will happen to D4vd. Regardless, we hope justice will prevail for Celeste.
Sources: Entertainment Weekly, BBC, AP
