A judge has ruled that U.S. singer David Burke, aka D4vd, will stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old girl Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The ruling found sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. The singer has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include first-degree murder and continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.

The parents of the teenager were reportedly aware of the relationship, and it was under consent, allowing her to travel to London for a week with him.

During the preliminary hearing, evidence was presented, including text messages, DNA found on tools purchased to dispose of the body, and explicit images.

Prosecutors alleged that the singer killed Celeste by stabbing her to death after she threatened to expose their alleged sexual relationship, which could have damaged his music career. Court documents also revealed that she was pregnant and had an abortion.

Celeste’s remains were dismembered and found in the front boot of a Tesla in September 2025, after the vehicle was towed and discovered in an impound lot in Hollywood.

However, D4vd’s legal team argued that the evidence did not prove he committed the crime.

The case is set to proceed to a jury trial, with the singer remaining in custody without bail. His arraignment is scheduled for August 31, after which the case will proceed to trial.