The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez said they feel "relieved" after a Los Angeles judge found sufficient evidence to send musician David "D4vd" Anthony Burke to trial, attorney Patrick Steinfeld said following a five-day preliminary hearing.
Family Reaction
Outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Steinfeld told reporters the family appreciated the work of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and LAPD investigators and that they plan to take a break from media attention. "The family's relieved that it's done with," he said, adding that while they are private individuals, they are grateful the media has kept Celeste's name in the public conversation.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez; David "D4vd" Burke.Credit: GoFundMe ; Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty
Allegations and Evidence Presented
Prosecutors allege Burke fatally stabbed Hernandez on April 23, 2025, then dismembered and disposed of her remains using items he is accused of purchasing online, including a shovel, multiple chainsaws, cadaver bags, heavy-duty laundry bags and a mop-and-bucket set. Testimony at the hearing indicated blood matching Hernandez's DNA was found in Burke's garage.
Investigators say Hernandez's severely decomposed remains were recovered from the front trunk (frunk) of Burke's Tesla on Sept. 8, 2025 — three days after the vehicle was impounded near his Hollywood Hills residence. Burke, now 21, was arrested in April 2026 and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He remains held without bail.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaking to reporters outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Monday, July 27.Credit: Danielle Bacher
Additional Testimony
Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detective Corey Farell testified that text messages exchanged between Burke and Hernandez discussed abortion, birth control and relationship issues during what prosecutors describe as an illegal sexual relationship. Prosecutors also say more than 40 images of child sexual abuse involving Hernandez were found on Burke's iPhone, along with photos showing the two engaged in sexual activity.
Charges and Next Steps
Burke faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder with special circumstances (lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain and killing a witness to an investigation), lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and mutilation of human remains. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the office is still determining whether to seek the death penalty. If convicted as charged, Burke could face life in prison without parole.
"This has been a parent's worst nightmare, hearing the ghoulish details of how their child was killed, dismembered and left as trash," Hochman said in a press release.
Burke's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 31; prosecutors expect the trial to begin within 60 days of that date.
Source: People
