Graphic crime-scene photographs were shown publicly for the first time on the opening day of a preliminary hearing into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors presented images and testimony they say link David Anthony Burke — the 21-year-old singer who performs as D4vd — to the discovery of the girl’s dismembered body inside a Tesla registered to him in a Hollywood tow yard.
Evidence and courtroom reaction
Prosecutors displayed decomposed remains and other disturbing images before Celeste’s parents, who were warned in advance about the content. The family’s attorney said the material left them horrified and that they chose to remain in the courtroom to show support for their daughter. The judge, lawyers, and courtroom observers were told the photographs had previously only appeared in filings and were now being presented in open court as part of the prosecution’s effort to establish sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
The hearing was packed with journalists, social-media creators and members of the public; observers were admitted by lottery because seating was limited. Burke appeared in an orange jail uniform, shackled at wrists and ankles, and remained chained to his chair during the proceedings. He has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging murder and sexual abuse.
Detective testimony and alleged purchases
Homicide Detective Joshua Byers testified about the condition of the body when officers located it in September 2025. According to the testimony, human remains were in the trunk of the Tesla, with a torso and head partially visible and severed limbs found in a separate refuse bag. The prosecution said decomposition had advanced to the point that the victim’s face was no longer recognizable.
Detective Byers also told the court that items were ordered online and delivered to an address linked to Burke, some under an alias, in the days after Celeste’s death. The listed deliveries included chainsaws, body bags, an inflatable pool and a shovel. Prosecutors contend those items were used to dismember the body and attempt to conceal the killing; the defense has disputed aspects of the prosecution’s narrative.
Tattoos and other links presented by prosecutors
Among the images shown were photographs prosecutors say demonstrate a personal connection between Burke and the teenager. The court saw a red-ink tattoo bearing the name “Celeste” on Burke’s left ring finger. Prosecutors also displayed photos of a “Shhh…” tattoo on Burke’s right index finger and a similar mark on Celeste’s right index finger. Another image showed a hand with the ring and little finger missing, which prosecutors introduced as corroborating material.
Prosecutors told the judge they believe the defendant had a sexual relationship with the minor and that he killed her to prevent her from exposing the relationship and harming his career. The defendant has denied the charges; his lawyers have challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case and are expected to present their own witnesses and arguments as the hearing continues.
Courtroom procedure and next steps
The hearing is a preliminary stage, not the full trial. Its purpose is to determine whether prosecutors have presented enough admissible evidence to justify sending the case to a jury. Over the coming days, prosecutors plan to call additional witnesses to shore up the case against Burke.
Before showing each graphic image, the prosecutor warned Celeste’s parents and checked whether they wanted to look away. Supporters comforted Celeste’s mother at points during the testimony. The family’s attorney described the experience as an ordeal for private people suddenly thrust into a highly public criminal proceeding.
Because the preliminary hearing addresses legal thresholds for moving forward rather than the defendant’s guilt or innocence, observers will be watching closely to see whether the judge finds the prosecutorial evidence sufficient to set a jury trial. If the judge determines the evidence supports moving forward, the case will proceed to a full trial where both sides will present their full arguments and witnesses to a jury.
This stage of the case continues to unfold in Los Angeles County courts as attorneys on both sides prepare for the next steps of the criminal process.
Source: BBC