The preliminary hearing in the murder and sexual abuse case against 21-year-old singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) opened with horrific, previously undisclosed details. Graphic evidence—including images of the dismembered remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez—was displayed in court, leaving her parents in tears and profound agony. While her family had braced themselves emotionally, the gruesome nature of the evidence exceeded their worst fears.
Tense Atmosphere in the Courtroom
The preliminary hearing convened in a crowded central Los Angeles courtroom on July 22, 2026. The room was packed with journalists, content creators, and members of the public who won gallery seats via a lottery. Silence fell as Burke entered, wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackled at his hands and feet. He briefly offered a faint smile to his defense team before politely addressing the bench: “Good morning, Your Honor.”
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Lead Detective Joshua Byers took the stand and prosecutor Beth Silverman began presenting crime scene photos. Before each image was displayed, prosecutors warned Celeste’s parents, asking if they wished to look away. Her mother, Mercedes, insisted on remaining in the room, lowering her head in tears as the evidence was shown.
Patrick Steinfeld, an attorney representing the family, shared after the hearing:
“This was the first time they heard the full extent of the evidence. They were horrified. There were images showing parts of Celeste’s torso and head inside the trunk… It was unrecognizable. They didn’t know what to say and were just trying to hold it together as best as they could. It is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Steinfeld noted that while he advised the family they could step outside during the presentation of graphic evidence, they chose to remain: “They wanted to be there to show support for their daughter.”
Key Evidence Presented by Prosecutors
Prosecutors allege that Burke murdered Celeste following an extended period of sexual abuse. They contend his motive was to prevent her from exposing their relationship, which would have destroyed his lucrative music career.
Key evidence introduced during the proceeding included:
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Discovery of Remains: Celeste’s severely decomposed remains were recovered in September 2025 from the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke at a Hollywood parking structure.
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Online Purchases: Records showed online orders delivered to Burke’s address under pseudonyms following Celeste’s death. The items included a chainsaw, body bags, an inflatable pool, and shovels—allegedly purchased to dismember and conceal the body.
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Tattoos and Forensic Detail: Investigators highlighted matching tattoos, including “Celeste” on Burke’s left ring finger and “Shhh…” on his right index finger, mirroring a tattoo on Celeste’s hand.
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Forensic Findings: Detective Byers detailed the unsealing of the body bag and the recovery of dismembered remains found inside black plastic bags within the trunk.
Case Progression and Public Response
Burke faces charges of first-degree murder along with multiple counts related to sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The purpose of this preliminary hearing is for the prosecution to establish sufficient probable cause to proceed to a full jury trial. The hearing is expected to continue over several days as additional witnesses and physical evidence are introduced.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Rivas Hernandez family remains focused on seeking accountability.
“They simply want the truth to come out so their daughter can finally rest in peace,” Steinfeld stated.