Overview
- A judge found enough evidence at a multi‑day preliminary hearing to bind David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, for trial and ordered him held without bail with an arraignment set for August 31.
- Prosecutors say forensic and digital evidence shown at the hearing links Burke to the April 23, 2025 death of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, including DNA, phone and Tesla location data, and blue plastic fragments tied to an inflatable pool.
- The hearing record included testimony that an inflatable pool in Burke’s garage smelled of laundry detergent and contained a crumbled dryer sheet, details prosecutors say the resurfaced promotional clip makes look more eerie.
- Burke has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers say the stained clothing and fake blood were merchandise and creative props, a point highlighted by a 2023 promotional clip that resurfaced online on August 2 and has since gone viral.
- A judge upheld special‑circumstance findings that expose Burke to life without parole or the death penalty, prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek capital punishment, and lawyers and platforms face renewed scrutiny over online content and possible juror influence.