American singer David Burke, known as D4vd, will appear in court again on Aug. 31 in connection with the case being heard in Los Angeles. The case concerns the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The hearing will take place about a month after five days of preliminary proceedings held in July. At the end of that stage, the judge ruled that the case should proceed to trial.
Burke faces three charges
Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, sexual assault of a child and abuse of human remains. The singer denies the charges and is being held without bail.
The trial is expected to begin within 90 days after the hearing scheduled for Aug. 31.
The prosecution's account of events
Prosecutors allege that Burke and Rivas Hernandez had a sexual relationship in 2023. According to the prosecution, Burke was 18 and Rivas Hernandez was 13 at the time. Prosecutors allege that the girl's threat to disclose the relationship was seen as potentially damaging to the singer's career.
Prosecutors allege that Rivas Hernandez took a taxi to Burke's home in Hollywood Hills in April 2025 and was not seen alive afterward. Decomposed remains said to belong to the girl were found in September of the same year in two bags in the front trunk of a seized Tesla reportedly belonging to Burke.
The indictment alleges that Rivas Hernandez suffered multiple stab wounds and that her body was dismembered. Burke's attorneys have said they will seek an acquittal in the case.