During a Los Angeles court hearing on Tuesday, a police detective described the remains of a teenage girl found in the trunk of singer D4vd’s car as unrecognizable due to significant decomposition. The artist, legally named David Anthony Burke, faces murder charges regarding the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Police discovered the victim’s remains in Burke’s Tesla last September. Detective Joshua Byers reported detecting a distinct odor of human decay upon opening the vehicle at a tow yard. The court viewed graphic images of the remains, which were contained in bags, with the detective confirming that skin degradation made facial recognition impossible.
Prosecutors allege the relationship began when the victim was 11. Police body camera footage shows Burke claiming he believed she was an adult, despite her mother reporting her missing at age 13. Officials contend Burke killed the girl to prevent her from exposing their illicit relationship, which he feared would destroy his musical career.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to murder, child abuse, and the mutilation of remains. He faces a potential life sentence or the death penalty. The preliminary hearing is expected to continue for several days to determine if the case will proceed to trial.
