A Los Angeles judge has ruled that singer D4vd must stand trial in the criminal case involving the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faces charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo determined that prosecutors had presented enough probable cause for the case to proceed to trial.

A preliminary hearing does not determine whether a defendant is guilty. Its purpose is to decide whether prosecutors have provided sufficient evidence for the charges to be considered at a full trial.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in custody without bail.

Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in 2025 after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his rising music career. His defense has challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence and argued that the case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence.

Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered inside a vehicle registered to Burke in September 2025, leading to a lengthy investigation by law enforcement.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said 12 witnesses were called during the preliminary hearing. Prosecutors presented forensic evidence, digital records and testimony connected to the case.

Burke is scheduled to return to court for arraignment on August 31. A trial date has not yet been announced.

Because the proceedings remain ongoing, the allegations against Burke have not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.