A harrowing preliminary hearing in Los Angeles has laid bare the gruesome details surrounding the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The court was presented with graphic images, including photographs of the victim's severely decomposed remains found in the boot of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, also known as D4vd.
Prosecutors allege that Burke, 21, bought tools online, including a chainsaw and shovel, which he used to dismember Hernandez's body. The victim's parents were present at the hearing, where they expressed profound distress over the evidence presented. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, described their horror, noting it was the first time they had heard the details of what happened to their daughter.
According to prosecutors, Burke stabbed Hernandez before dismembering her body in an attempt to conceal the murder. It is claimed that he killed her because she threatened to expose his alleged relationship with a minor, which could have jeopardised his music career. Bodycam footage showed Burke telling police he was unaware of Hernandez's age, claiming she had told him she was 18 and that they had only met once in person.
The court also saw evidence of items delivered to Burke's address under a fake name, believed to be used in the dismemberment and concealment of Hernandez's body. Images of tattoos were presented, including a red-ink tattoo reading 'Celeste' on Burke's left ring finger and a 'Shhh...' tattoo on his right index finger, which prosecutors claim link Burke and the victim.