D4vd — whose legal name is David Burke, is set to face trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, following his arrest in April after a monthslong investigation. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, according to ABC News.

Prosecution’s Case and Evidence

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors presented only a “small fraction of our evidence” during the preliminary hearing; he expressed confidence that the full evidence will prove Burke guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Hochman described the evidence as difficult to hear, including text messages and video and photographic material.

“We believe that the evidence at trial will be overwhelming to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on the three charges with which Mr — Burke will be charged,” Hochman said outside the Los Angeles courthouse following the judge’s decision. He added that the crime was “incredibly horrific and barbaric.”

Alleged Relationship and Motive

Prosecutors allege that D4vd and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023, when he was 18 and she was 13; they claim she was threatening to expose their illegal relationship and ruin his career if he would not be exclusive to her. A legal brief from the prosecution states that D4vd was the last person to drive his Tesla, where Celeste’s dismembered body was discovered in September 2025. He was reportedly last seen driving the vehicle on July 29, 2025, before he left Los Angeles for his tour.

The court document also alleges D4vd ordered two chainsaws, a body bag, and an inflatable pool on Amazon using a fake name, as Investigators say fragments of that pool were found in cut wounds on Celeste’s body, according to 6abc Philadelphia.

Family’s Response and Legal Context

In light of the gruesome details emerging almost daily, the Rivas Hernandez family has decided not to make any statements now or in the future; they had initially agreed to speak publicly with the support of Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. A wrongful death attorney said they are now choosing to grieve in private and asked for grace and compassion.

“There are no words to express the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now. They still have bills to pay and jobs they go to every day. All they want is time to grieve and heal,” the attorney said.

Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty in the case.