D4vd-Girl Killed
FILE - D4vd appears at Variety's Power of Young Hollywood in Los Angeles on Aug. 8, 2024.
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A hearing has begun to determine whether singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, should go on trial in the killing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A homicide detective testified that Burke ordered items like a body bag and chain saws after her death. Prosecutors showed photos of the dismembered body. Authorities allege he killed her to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which could ruin his music career. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and sexual abuse of a minor. Burke's music career reportedly earned over $10 million since 2023.
Prosecutors are presenting forensic evidence to persuade a judge that singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, should face trial in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On Tuesday, Los Angeles police described finding possible blood and DNA samples in Burke's garage and Tesla. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career. Financial witnesses testified that Burke earned at least $10 million between 2023 and 2025 from his music career. The hearing continues as the defense challenges the evidence.
A police DNA specialist testifies that DNA evidence from a Hollywood garage strongly matches 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, killed and dismembered her to hide their relationship. The evidence was found on various items, including a rubber mat and a Tesla charger. The testimony is part of a preliminary hearing to decide if D4vd should stand trial for murder and other charges. His lawyers argue the DNA could have come from touch, not blood. Prosecutors claim D4vd began a relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and killed her to protect his career.
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