The murder case against singer D4vd will move forward after a judge ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas to proceed to trial.
The decision came after five days of testimony during a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors presented evidence connected to their allegations against the musician.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The judge ordered that the trial must begin within 90 days, with D4vd scheduled to return to court for arraignment on August 31.
Judge Allows Case to Proceed to Trial
The preliminary hearing focused on whether prosecutors had enough evidence to continue pursuing the case.
After reviewing testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, the judge ruled that the matter should move forward.
The decision does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it allows prosecutors to continue pursuing the charges during a trial where both sides will present their arguments.
D4vd is facing charges including one count of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors have alleged that the singer killed Celeste after claiming she threatened to expose an alleged illegal sexual relationship.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Prosecutors Present Evidence During Hearing
During the five-day hearing, prosecutors presented multiple pieces of evidence as they built their case.
According to reports, the evidence included photographs of Celeste’s body, which prosecutors described during testimony, along with alleged text messages and other materials they say support their claims.
Prosecutors argued the evidence showed a relationship between D4vd and Celeste.
The defense has challenged aspects of the prosecution’s claims and presented evidence it says provides additional context regarding the relationship between the two.
That evidence reportedly included text messages and travel documents that the defense argued showed Celeste’s family was aware that she and D4vd spent time together.
District Attorney Discusses Possible Death Penalty
Following the hearing, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the case and confirmed that D4vd is eligible for the death penalty.
Hochman said prosecutors are still considering whether they will seek that punishment.
The district attorney also spoke about Celeste’s family and described their loss as an “unspeakable tragedy.”
When asked about statements from the family regarding whether they approved of the relationship between Celeste and D4vd, Hochman did not directly address the question.
Instead, he said his office intends to pursue justice through the trial process.
Defense and Prosecution Present Different Narratives
The case has featured competing arguments from prosecutors and the defense.
Prosecutors have focused on evidence they say supports their allegations against D4vd.
Meanwhile, the defense has pointed to information it believes challenges the prosecution’s interpretation of events.
As the case moves toward trial, both sides will have the opportunity to present additional evidence and arguments before a jury.
Why It Matters
The case has attracted significant public attention because it involves a young victim and a rising music artist facing serious criminal allegations.
A trial will allow the court to examine the evidence in greater detail and determine whether prosecutors can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Until that process is complete, the charges remain allegations.
Human Angle
For Celeste Rivas’ family, the legal proceedings represent a search for answers following the loss of a young life.
For D4vd, the upcoming trial will be the next stage in a legal battle that could have major consequences for his future.
The case now moves from the preliminary hearing stage toward a full trial, where the evidence will face further examination in court.
