The murder case against streamer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, is heading to trial after a Los Angeles judge found enough evidence for the prosecution to proceed. Burke faces charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside a Tesla linked to him in 2025. He has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bail.
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The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented testimony from police officers, forensic specialists and financial witnesses. Investigators also described digital evidence, including messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez before she disappeared.
D4vd murder case moves toward trial
Prosecutors allege that Burke and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023, when he was 18 and she was 13. They claim the relationship later became a source of conflict before the teenager travelled to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home in April 2025.
According to testimony, Rivas Hernandez sent a message while travelling to the property in an Uber: “almost there open ur door if u are home,” with Burke responding, “got uuu,” according to investigators.
Prosecutors said she stopped sending messages after that night. Her remains were later discovered in two bags inside the front trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla. Authorities identified her through dental records in September 2025.
Investigators also testified about items found at Burke’s home, including an inflatable pool and equipment that prosecutors say may be connected to the alleged disposal of the body. Forensic evidence presented at the hearing included blood found on a garage mat that analysts said matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the evidence shown during the hearing represented only part of the prosecution’s case.
“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 told reporters outside the Los Angeles courthouse.
D4vd faces three charges as defence maintains innocence
Burke faces first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains charges. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty.
The streamer’s defence team has rejected the allegations and said it intends to fight the case at trial.
“The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” his attorneys said following his arrest.
A post-preliminary arraignment is scheduled for August 31, with a trial expected to follow within 90 days. Burke remains in custody without bail as the case moves into its next stage.
