American singer D4vd will stand trial on charges of killing and dismembering a 14-year-old girl, after a judge ruled there was enough evidence to proceed.
The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered in his name. Prosecutors say the teen threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship, prompting the deadly attack.abc+3
At Monday’s hearing in Los Angeles, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient incriminating evidence to send the case to trial. The ruling followed a five-day preliminary hearing in which investigators presented text messages, purchase records and other evidence they say links Burke to the crime.
According to prosecutors, Hernandez was 13 when the relationship began and 14 when she was killed. They also allege that Burke purchased items including chainsaws and an incinerator in an attempt to dispose of the body, though his defence has denied any deliberate intent to kill.
Burke has denied murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted
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