Prosecutors presented graphic evidence in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday during the preliminary hearing for David Anthony Burke, a musician known as D4vd. Burke faces charges including first-degree murder for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in his vehicle last year.
The multi-day hearing, which began this week, aims to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a jury trial. Prosecutors laid out a harrowing timeline of the case, alleging that Burke lured the teenager to his home in April 2025, killed her, and subsequently attempted to conceal her remains within the trunk of his Tesla.
Courtroom Evidence and Victim Identification
During the proceedings, prosecutors displayed gruesome photographs of the victim on large screens. The images showed the dismembered remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Investigators testified that the state of decomposition made facial identification difficult, though one specific photograph of the victim’s right index finger—which bore a “Shhh…” tattoo—was identified as the only recognizable image of the teen.
LAPD Det. Joshua Byers testified that he observed a similar tattoo on Burke’s own finger. Further evidence presented included photographs of a tattoo reading “Celeste” on the defendant’s left ring finger. Prosecutors allege these markers, along with other physical evidence such as blue plastic fragments found on the victim’s remains, link Burke to the crime.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Financial Gain
The prosecution’s case extends beyond the charge of first-degree murder. Authorities allege that Burke, now 21, began an online relationship with Rivas Hernandez in January 2022, when she was 11 years old. Prosecutors claim the relationship became sexual in November 2023, while Burke was an established musician with a record deal and Rivas Hernandez was a seventh-grade student.
Special circumstance allegations have been added to the murder charge, including the murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait.
Law Enforcement Interaction and Investigation
The hearing also featured bodycam footage from February 17, 2024, showing Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies visiting a West Hollywood residence where Burke was staying. Prosecutors stated that Riverside County investigators had previously contacted Burke after finding his number in the victim’s phone records, warning him of her age.
In the video, Burke described the residence as an artist compound
and told deputies he had met Rivas Hernandez on Discord and Instagram. He claimed to have seen her in person only once, in November 2023. Defense attorneys have challenged the prosecution’s narrative by questioning the extent of forensic testing, specifically noting that investigators did not conduct additional DNA analysis on items recovered from the defendant’s home or the exterior of his vehicle.
Trial Proceedings and Victim Impact
The victim’s parents, Mercedes Martínez and Jesus Rivas, were present in the courtroom throughout the testimony. Prosecutors acknowledged the gravity of the evidence being presented, with Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman noting the emotional toll on the family before revealing the most graphic images.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue as the judge evaluates whether the evidence presented by the prosecution warrants a full jury trial.
Sources: Rollingstone.
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