Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has been formally ordered to stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, who was discovered dismembered in a car last year.
Following a five-day preliminary hearing, a judge ruled that Burke, 21, must face trial on charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He will continue to be held without bail.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo stated that the prosecution had met its burden of proof on all counts, while also noting that the probable cause standard for a preliminary hearing is lower than that required for conviction at trial. Prosecutors, however, asserted that the presented evidence was substantial.
"Based on the mountains of evidence presented," Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said, "all of the allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required."
Burke remained expressionless during the ruling, and his legal team declined to comment. Outside the court, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that prosecutors are considering whether to pursue the death penalty in the case. Burke is scheduled for arraignment on August 31.