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D4vd still had a tattoo of Celeste Rivas' first name on his left ring finger when he was booked into jail on suspicion of murdering the 14-year-old girl, an investigator testified Tuesday as the first day of the musician's preliminary hearing concluded.
The investigator told the court that jail staff documented the word "Celeste" inked on the artist's ring finger during the booking process.
Officers also noted the word "Shhh" tattooed on his right index finger and a religious reference inked on his right palm, according to the testimony. Prosecutors presented courtroom photographs depicting the tattoos, which appeared faded. This comes as court sketches in the teen murder case against D4vd are revealed.
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D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, showed little visible reaction as the images were displayed, at times resting his hand against his face and rubbing his chin while examining the exhibits.
The tattoos carries particular weight in the prosecution's case. Authorities say Rivas also bore two tattoos mirroring the singer's name on her left ring finger and an identical "Shhh" design.
Her mother and the county medical examiner had previously confirmed those markings.
Prosecutors allege that after killing and dismembering the teenager, Burke severed the finger carrying his name along with her pinky.
Testimony on Tuesday also left unresolved questions about evidence prosecutors claim ties the singer to the aftermath of the killing. Investigators have alleged Burke ordered two chainsaws through Amazon following Rivas' death, but an investigator acknowledged on the stand that one of the tools was never located by authorities.
A separate witness walked the court through the performer's finances, estimating he took in about $12 million in gross earnings from 2023 through 2025.
The witness also testified that Burke received an advance believed to be $600,000 when he signed with Interscope Records in 2022, with a larger payment following later.
Members of Rivas' family attended the proceedings and remained watching as graphic evidence photographs were shown in the courtroom.
Burke sat through the hearing with restraints secured around his waist, though his hands were left free. He has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Speaking with reporters during a recess, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors have not ruled out seeking capital punishment, indicating the death penalty remains a possible outcome in the case.
Rivas' remains were discovered in a decomposing state inside a Tesla registered to the singer in September 2025, a finding that set off the investigation leading to the charges.
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