US Musician D4vd to Face Murder Trial

US musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, will face a murder trial following a ruling by a judge. The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege Burke killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September. The charges against Burke, 21, include murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecution's Case and Allegations

Prosecutors contend that Burke stabbed the teenager, dismembered her body, and that the motive involved financial gain or silencing her. Evidence presented included text messages from Hernandez, some of which contained threats to Burke. One message read: "I swear to GOD I will kill u" and threatened to end his career and life. Prosecutors allege the motive was that Hernandez threatened to expose their relationship and ruin Burke's music career. They also presented evidence that Burke ordered a body bag, chainsaws, and a shovel online in the days following her death. A police analyst testified that samples from apparent blood stains in Burke's garage matched Hernandez's DNA.

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Defense Arguments

Burke's defense attorneys argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove he committed the crime. They highlighted inconsistencies, including the medical examiner's inability to definitively determine how two penetrating wounds on the girl occurred. The defense also pointed out that no surveillance video captured Burke being home on the night prosecutors allege the murder took place. Furthermore, a criminalist testified that chainsaws found in Burke's garage tested negative for blood, and a third chainsaw allegedly ordered by Burke could not be located. Defense lawyers also presented texts suggesting Hernandez insisted on visiting Burke's home and had threatened him.

Judicial Decision and Next Steps

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Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that the evidence presented established probable cause for a trial. "The people have met their burden on all counts," Judge Olmedo stated. She found that prosecutors met the threshold for murder with special circumstances, including lying in wait, motive for financial gain, and eliminating a witness. Burke is scheduled to be in court on 31 August for arraignment, with the trial expected to begin within 90 days of that date. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that his office presented only a fraction of the evidence and has not yet determined if it will pursue the death penalty.