Prosecutors began a multi-day preliminary hearing on Tuesday in Los Angeles for 21-year-old musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd. Burke faces charges including murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of human remains after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered in his Tesla in September 2025.
Graphic Evidence Presented at Clara Foltz Criminal Justice Center
The preliminary hearing, which opened Tuesday at the Clara Foltz Criminal Justice Center, involves the presentation of evidence by prosecutors to determine if there is sufficient probable cause for a trial. During the proceedings, prosecutors displayed photographs of human remains found in the front trunk, or “frunk,” of a Tesla registered to Burke. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented images of a limbless torso and dismembered limbs found inside black plastic bags.
LAPD Det. Joshua Byers testified that the remains were unrecognizable
due to decomposition and skin slippage.
One photograph showed a knee with flecks of blue plastic, which prosecutors allege originated from an inflatable pool used during the dismemberment. The victim, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was identified through dental records provided by her father, Jesus Rivas, after he contacted police upon seeing media reports regarding the discovery of the remains in September 2025.
Digital Evidence and Forensic Findings
The prosecution’s case relies heavily on digital and forensic evidence retrieved during the investigation. Det. Byers testified that investigators accessed iCloud data showing Burke’s iPhone 16 Pro Max last disconnected from his Tesla on July 29, 2025. Furthermore, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the court that Burke’s iCloud account contained a significant amount of child pornography.
An autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner concluded that Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries
to the upper body. While the report noted preliminary positive findings for several substances in toxicology screens, officials indicated these were not considered a direct cause of death. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo acknowledged delays in the release of the autopsy report, citing concerns regarding the impact on the victim’s family.
Police Interactions and Initial Welfare Check
The court reviewed bodycam footage from February 17, 2024, showing Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies visiting Burke at a residence he described as an artist compound.
This visit occurred days after Rivas Hernandez’s parents reported her missing from their home in Lake Elsinore. During the visit, Senior Deputy Juan Gonzalez testified that Burke claimed he met the victim on Discord and Instagram and believed she was 18 years old.
The provided source materials do not contain any statements from Beth Silverman regarding the case being treated as entertainment or the preservation of evidence.
Legal Status and Special Circumstances
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors have filed special circumstance allegations, including claims that Burke killed the teenager to prevent her from reporting sexual abuse, as well as allegations of murder for financial gain and lying in wait. If convicted of first-degree murder with these special circumstances, Burke could face the death penalty.
During the current hearing, Burke appeared in court without handcuffs, a modification granted by Judge Charlaine Olmedo to assist the defendant in taking notes. The defense team has maintained their client’s innocence, stating that the evidence will eventually demonstrate he is not responsible for the victim’s death. Proceedings are scheduled to continue as the court reviews evidence production and hears further witness testimony.
Sources: Rollingstone.
Related reading