During a preliminary hearing, singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) remained stoic as prosecutors displayed graphic images of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's dismembered remains. Burke faces first-degree murder and other charges; prosecutors allege he killed her to silence her after she threatened to reveal their relationship and harm his music career.
The preliminary hearing for singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, unfolded with harrowing details surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke, now 21, pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The courtroom美术馆ed in tension as prosecutors displayed graphic images of the victim's dismembered remains, found in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla. Family members of Hernandez were visibly distressed; at least one cried as Detective Joshua Byers described the scene discovered on September 8.
Assistant District Attorney Beth Silverman was observed checking on the victim's parents during the hearing. Burke, clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, appeared stoic, staring intently at each photograph. Notably, he seemed focused on an image of Hernandez's right hand, which bore a tattoo reading 'Shh...
' on her index finger-a phrase that matches Burke's own tattoo. Prosecutors allege that Burke, who was 18 at the time, pursued a relationship with the underage Hernandez and killed her after she threatened to expose their liaison and derail his emerging music career, particularly ahead of his first album release. Court documents reveal that Burke allegedly orchestrated her transport from Lake Elsinore, California, to his Hollywood home on April 23, 2025. After her arrival, her phone went silent.
Prosecutors claim Burke stabbed her repeatedly, allowing her to bleed out in his garage. To contain the blood, he reportedly used an inflatable pool. Evidence presented includes orders for chainsaws, purchased to dismember the body, and a body bag bought on Amazon under an alias but linked to Burke's payment and address. Blood stains with Hernandez's DNA were found in the garage after a search warrant.
Byers testified that the remains, severely decomposed and infested with insects, were nearly unrecognizable. The prosecution signaled its intent to connect the blue straps from the garbage bag to the pool. The defense maintains that Burke did not cause Hernandez's death, despite her remains being discovered in his vehicle. The case has drawn attention not only for its brutality but also for the victim's repeated disappearances in the years prior.
Prosecutors assert they possess sexual text messages and photographs exchanged between Burke and Hernandez, and evidence suggests she spent extended periods with him, including a trip to Texas where she met his family. The preliminary hearing offered a grim glimpse into the evidence that may shape a future trial. The victim's family, represented by attorney Patrick Steinfeld, described the experience as horrifying.
The proceedings underscore the profound tragedy of a young life ended violently and the legal reckoning facing a young musician whose career may now be irrevocably shadowed by these accusations
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