The preliminary hearing for musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, began on Tuesday in a Los Angeles courtroom. Prosecutors presented graphic evidence regarding the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández.
A Tesla trunk and a Hollywood impound lot
The discovery of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández’s body in September 2025 has moved from written descriptions to graphic visual evidence.. As reported in the court proceedings, the victim's remains were located inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke at a Hollywood vehicle impound lot.
Detective Josh Byers of the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division provided testimony regarding the state of the scene. according to the prosecution, Byers described finding a body bag and a black plastic trash bag within the vehicle, containing several severed limbs and a torso. the images displayed by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman showed the victim's remains, including an arm severed at the elbow and legs that had been sawed at the knee, with blood splattered across the torso.
A chanisaw used to erase a shared tattoo
The prosecution's case rests on the claim that David Anthony Burke used a chainsaw to mutilate Hernández's body to hide evidence of their relationship. Court filings allege that Burke invited the teenager to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, where he stabbed her twice after she threatened to expose their connection.
To further cover his tracks, the prosecution alleges that Burke amputated two of the victim's fingers. This specific act was reportedly intended to remove a tattoo that would have provided a physical link between the emerging music star and the 14-year-old fan. burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder and repeated sexual abuse, and his lawyers have denied any criminal wrongdoing.
The predatory pattern of online fan engagement
The details of this case underscore a disturbing trend regarding the vulnerability of young fans in the digital age. Court records indicate that Burke began allegedly abusing Hernández in 2023, when she was only 11 years old, after meeting her through online platforms.
This dynamic reflects a broader, more systemic issue where the power imbalance between rising public figures and their young followers can be exploited. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a grim reminder of the risks inherent in unregulated digital interactions between celebrities and minors.
Ten witnesses and a five-day legal window
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that the preliminary hearing could span up to five days.. He expects the prosecution to call ten witnesses to the stand, most of whom will be medical examiners or law enforcement officers.
While Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman attempted to console the victim's family during a break, it is not expected that Hernández's parents will testify. It remains to be seen what additional forensic evidence will be introduced by the ten witnesses to solidify the prosecution's claims of premeditated murder and sexual abuse.
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