The preliminary hearing opened in Los Angeles for David Anthony Burke (stage name D4vd), accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors showed graphic crime‑scene photos of her dismembered body found in a Tesla, prompting visible distress from her parents. Authorities allege Burke ordered tools such as chainsaws and body bags after the death; he has pleaded not guilty. The hearing will continue as prosecutors present additional evidence to seek a jury trial.
Graphic Crime-Scene Photos Shown at D4vd Preliminary Hearing as Teen's Parents React
[Getty Images]
Warning: This article contains descriptions of graphic evidence that some readers may find distressing.
Graphic crime‑scene photographs of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were shown publicly in a Los Angeles courtroom on the opening day of the preliminary hearing in the case against musician David Anthony Burke, who performs as D4vd. The images, presented by prosecutors, reportedly depicted the girl's dismembered remains after she was found in a Tesla last year.
What Happened In Court
Prosecutors displayed violent autopsy and crime‑scene photos to the small, packed courtroom while warning Celeste's parents before each image. Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld said the parents had been told they could step out but chose to remain to support their daughter. "This is the first time they've heard this evidence in detail, and they're horrified," he told reporters.
Allegations and Evidence
Authorities allege that Burke, 21, stabbed Celeste and then dismembered her with a chainsaw. Detectives testified that items delivered to an address tied to Burke under an alias after the girl's death included chainsaws, body bags, an inflatable pool and other tools investigators say were used to conceal the body.
[AFP via Getty Images]
"There was an image of Celeste's torso and her head in the trunk of the car... It was absolutely deplorable," said the family's attorney, describing the parents' reaction.
Detective testimony described severely decomposed remains discovered inside a Tesla in September 2025 at a Hollywood tow yard. Prosecutors also introduced photographs they say show tattoos linking Burke and Celeste — including a red‑ink "Celeste" tattoo on Burke's left ring finger and matching "Shhh..." tattoos on both individuals' index fingers — along with other items of circumstantial evidence.
Charges, Plea and Next Steps
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder and sexual abuse. The preliminary hearing is intended to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial; prosecutors are expected to call additional witnesses over several days. As this is pretrial testimony, the allegations remain to be proven in court.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense: Burke appeared in an orange jail uniform and remained chained to his chair during much of the hearing. Members of the public, journalists and social media creators attended under a lottery system for limited seating.
Note on reporting: The article reports allegations presented by prosecutors and testimony from investigators; the defendant denies wrongdoing through a not‑guilty plea. Facts stated here are based on court proceedings and public filings.
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