Prosecutors said Wednesday that singer D4vd killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez by stabbing her multiple times, according to a court document outlining their case for an upcoming preliminary hearing.
Relationship and Motive
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office stated that D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13 and he was 18. Prosecutors allege that he killed her after she threatened to reveal their inappropriate relationship, which could have ruined his music career.
“Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out,” the document said.
Previous Lack of Details
Prior to this filing, prosecutors had not disclosed how they believed Rivas Hernandez was killed or provided specifics about their relationship. An autopsy report indicated she died from penetrating wounds.
Defense Response
Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges. His attorneys maintain his innocence, asserting he did not cause Rivas Hernandez's death. At a hearing on Wednesday, defense lawyers requested that the document be sealed, but Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo denied the motion. Defense counsel declined to comment outside the courtroom.
