Distressing crime scene photographs have been presented in a Los Angeles court on 22 July 2026 during the preliminary hearing for American singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. The 21-year-old musician faces charges of sexually abusing and murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside his vehicle last year.
The courtroom proceedings marked the first time graphic photographic evidence was displayed publicly as state prosecutors work to establish sufficient cause for the case to proceed to a full trial.
During the opening day of the hearing, prosecutors detailed how the 14-year-old victim was allegedly stabbed to death on 5 May last year. State attorneys allege Burke subsequently dismembered her body using a chainsaw after she threatened to publicly expose his relationship with a minor, which would have damaged his music career.
Investigating officers revealed that online purchases for body bags, chainsaws, and a shovel were made just days after the teenager was killed.
“There was an image of Celeste’s torso and her head in the trunk of the car, and the prosecutor had to ask what it was because you could not tell it was a head,” stated Patrick Steinfeld, legal representative for the victim’s family, in a statement to the BBC. He added that the victim’s parents remained in attendance throughout the hearing to show support for their late daughter despite the harrowing nature of the evidence.
Taking the witness stand, law enforcement officials recounted the physical recovery of the remains from a Tesla belonging to the 21-year-old artist in Los Angeles.
“I looked inside a bag found in the vehicle belonging to the singer and discovered a torso and a head,” testified Joshua Byers, homicide detective at the Los Angeles Police Department. He further explained that a second bag beneath contained additional limbs, noting that severe decomposition made immediate visual identification impossible.
Burke, who appeared in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with wrist and ankle shackles, has formally pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges.
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue across several days as the prosecution presents further witness testimony and forensic reports. Legal analysts note that preliminary hearings serve a critical procedural role in assessing whether the evidentiary standard has been met for serious felony charges.
It is important to note, however, that all criminal proceedings maintain a legal presumption of innocence until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law, and individuals affected by traumatic court evidence or violent crime are advised to seek guidance from certified support organisations such as Victim Support or NHS mental health services.
