D4vd Preliminary Murder Hearing Continues With Graphic Evidence In Teen’s Death

(Content Warning: This article contains graphic details about the death and dismemberment of a minor.)

• Prosecutors presented graphic crime scene photographs of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains during the first day of a preliminary hearing against singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. The images were shown in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday, July 21, in front of Celeste’s parents.

• A homicide detective testified that Burke allegedly ordered a body bag, chainsaws, a shovel, and an inflatable pool online after Celeste’s death. Investigators say the items were connected to efforts to conceal her remains, which were found inside a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025.

• Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilating a body. Prosecutors allege he killed Celeste to prevent her from exposing their alleged relationship and damaging his music career.

• The preliminary hearing is not a trial but a process to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence for the case to proceed. More witnesses are expected to testify in the coming days.

July 22, () — Graphic images of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were shown in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday, July 21, as prosecutors began presenting evidence against singer D4vd during his preliminary murder hearing.

D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing Celeste after prosecutors say her body was found inside a Tesla registered to him at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025.

During Tuesday’s hearing, homicide Detective Joshua Byers testified that Burke allegedly purchased items including a body bag, chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel online in the days after Celeste’s death. Prosecutors say the items were used to dismember and conceal her remains.

The evidence, which had previously only appeared in court filings, was shown publicly for the first time during the hearing.

The proceeding is not a trial but is intended to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward.

Prosecutors Detail Evidence Against Burke

Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Celeste before dismembering her body with a chainsaw to hide the killing. They claim he acted after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his music career.

Watching the evidence in court was extremely difficult for Celeste’s parents. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said the family had been warned about the graphic images but chose to stay in support of their daughter.

“This is the first time they’ve heard this evidence in detail, and they’re horrified,” Steinfeld told the BBC, adding that Celeste’s mother, Mercedes, grew emotional as the photographs were shown but remained in the courtroom. “She just put her head down and started crying,” he said.

The courtroom was packed before proceedings began, with journalists, online creators, and members of the public competing for limited seats.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a request from Burke’s defence to let him wear a suit, so he appeared in his orange jail uniform. His handcuffs were removed at the defence table, but his legs remained shackled. Cameras were not allowed inside.

Reporters said Burke showed little emotion as the images were displayed. Prosecutor Beth Silverman checked in with Celeste’s parents each time before showing a new photograph, advising them to look away if they wished.

Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, said the defence would continue to maintain his innocence, arguing the evidence will show he was not responsible for Celeste’s death.

As Detective Joshua Byers testified, prosecutors displayed photographs of the remains found inside the Tesla. He said investigators found a cadaver bag containing Celeste’s head and torso, with a separate bag holding her severed limbs, and that decomposition was so severe her face was no longer recognisable.

Byers also testified that a search of Burke’s home turned up two of the three chainsaws allegedly ordered, a blue inflatable pool, and a bloodstain in the garage matching Celeste’s DNA. Other items, including additional body bags, were allegedly purchased under aliases investigators linked to Burke.

Prosecutors presented tattoos they say link the pair, including a “Celeste” tattoo on Burke’s finger and matching “Shhh…” tattoos found on both of them.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilating a body.

The preliminary hearing is expected to continue for several days, with prosecutors set to call more witnesses as they try to establish enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.