Prosecutors presented graphic evidence of dismembered remains and other incriminating items during the preliminary hearing of singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to multiple sources. The hearing, held in Los Angeles, focused on the discovery of Hernandez’s body in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, as well as his alleged use of chainsaws, a body bag, and other tools to conceal the crime.
D4vd Murder Case: Prosecutors Present Graphic Evidence in Preliminary Hearing
Graphic Evidence Includes Dismembered Remains and Tattoos
During the hearing, prosecutors displayed photographs of Hernandez’s dismembered body, including a severed left hand missing two fingers, which authorities allege Burke amputated to erase a tattoo linking the pair.
Prosecutors alleged that Burke had a tattoo of the name “Celeste” on his finger, as revealed through images shown in court by prosecutor Silverman, as noted in The Los Angeles Times. The evidence also included a body bag matching the one containing Hernandez’s head and torso, which was found in Burke’s garage during a warrant search.
Motive and Background of the Alleged Crime
Prosecutors claimed that Burke, a rising alternative music star, killed Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship, which they alleged involved years of sexual abuse. According to The Los Angeles Times, Burke allegedly stabbed Hernandez twice in April 2025 at his Hollywood Hills home and then dismembered her body with a chainsaw. The victim’s decomposed body was discovered in September 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, which prosecutors said was used to transport the remains.
The video, recorded in February 2024, showed Burke voluntarily allowing deputies to search his West Hollywood home and providing a sixth-grade yearbook photo of the victim, as reported by Lamag.
Forensic Findings and Financial Motive
Forensic evidence presented by prosecutors included DNA matches linking Hernandez’s remains to Burke’s garage and Tesla. The Tesla’s trunk had maggots and flies, with DNA testing confirming the presence of Hernandez’s genetic material.
This, they argued, supported the claim that Burke killed Hernandez to protect his career, as reported in The Los Angeles Times.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Response
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His defense has denied wrongdoing, with attorneys arguing that prosecutors’ case relies on circumstantial evidence.
The preliminary hearing, which began on Tuesday, continues as the court evaluates whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances—allegedly killing Hernandez to prevent her from exposing the relationship—Burke could face the death penalty, according to Lamag. The hearing is expected to conclude with testimony from a medical examiner, as reported by ABC7.
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