D4vd murder hearing: Celeste Rivas' family attends as prosecutors reveal graphic evidence

A Los Angeles court has heard graphic evidence during the preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer David Anthony Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd, as prosecutors seek to move the case to trial.

Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering and sexually abusing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

During the opening day of the hearing, prosecutors presented crime scene photographs showing Celeste's remains after her body was discovered inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in Hollywood in September 2025.

According to testimony, the body had decomposed to the extent that detectives said her face was no longer recognisable.

Homicide Detective Joshua Byers testified that investigators found a torso and head inside a cadaver bag in the vehicle, with severed limbs contained in another refuse bag beneath it.

Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Celeste before dismembering her body with a chainsaw in an attempt to conceal the killing after years of alleged sexual abuse. They further claim he acted because she had threatened to reveal their relationship.

The court also heard that Burke allegedly ordered a body bag, chainsaws, an inflatable pool and a shovel online in the days following Celeste's death.

Prosecutors said the items were delivered to an address linked to Burke under an alias and were allegedly used in the disposal of the body.

Evidence presented during the hearing also included photographs of tattoos prosecutors say linked Burke and Celeste, including matching "Shhh..." tattoos on their right index fingers. The court was also shown a tattoo reading "Celeste" on Burke's left ring finger.

Celeste's parents attended the hearing. According to their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, they chose to remain in court despite being warned about the graphic nature of the evidence. He said they wanted to show support for their daughter.

The preliminary hearing is expected to continue over several days as prosecutors call additional witnesses while asking the judge to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to a jury trial.