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Singer D4vd, born David Burke, appeared emotionless on July 21 as prosecutors showed graphic photos of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains during his preliminary hearing in Los Angeles. The images were shown to describe what the investigators found inside Burke’s impounded Tesla. Meanwhile, prosecutors continued to outline the murder case against the 21-year-old musician.
Detective Describes the Horror Inside Tesla
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Detective Joshua Byers from the robbery-homicide unit testified that he was called to a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025, after human remains were found inside Burke’s Tesla. The vehicle had been impounded from a street in the Hollywood Hills three days before.
During the court hearing, Byers said, “I was expected to find a body in a trunk. My information was gathered when I arrived on scene.” Byers said investigators found a partially unzipped black vinyl body bag inside the vehicle’s front trunk, along with a garbage bag secured with blue straps. Later, prosecutors showed several graphic crime scene photographs, including images of the body bag, a garbage bag containing limbs, and the victim’s head and torso.
However, Burke, who was wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, remained “nonchalant” as the photographs were shown on courtroom screens. He watched each image closely and continued looking at them. He appeared to focus longest on a photograph of Rivas Hernandez’s right hand, which had the words “Shhh…” written on her right index finger.
Prosecutors Lay Out Their Case
Burke is charged with murder, continuous s—– abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
According to prosecutors, he fatally stabbed Rivas Hernadez on April 23, 2025. The crime happened a day after the two argued about his relationships with other women. The alleged killing also took place several days before the release of his debut album.
Prosecutors allege Burke later bought a shovel, two chainsaws, a body bag and heavy-duty laundry bags from Amazon and Home Depot. They also claim he purchased a blue inflatable pool to prevent blood from spilling onto the floor of his garage before dismembering the victim. According to People, the court briefing also states that he used the chainsaws and other tools to remove her limbs. An unopened “burn box” incinerator was also found inside his home, hidden behind a piano.
Prosecutors further allege Burke met Rivas Hernandez in January 2022 when she was 11 years old. The two entered into a s—– relationship in 2023. The preliminary hearing is expected to last three to four days, determining whether there is sufficient probable cause to send the singer to trial. Evidence that will be shown includes text messages, DNA, Amazon purchase records, Uber records, surveillance video and child s—– abuse material that was found on Burke’s mobile phone.
If Burke is convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
