Distressing evidence was unveiled during the first day of a preliminary hearing regarding the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The accused, 21-year-old musician David Anthony Burke, appeared in court to face allegations of murder and sexual abuse. Prosecutors displayed graphic crime scene images documenting the state of the victim’s remains, which were discovered inside a vehicle registered to the defendant in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Detective Joshua Byers provided testimony detailing the recovery of the teenager’s body from a Tesla in September 2025. The prosecution alleges that Burke killed the girl to prevent her from exposing their relationship, which threatened his career. Evidence presented included records of online purchases for chainsaws, body bags, and an inflatable pool, items authorities contend were used to dismember and hide the victim.
Despite warnings from their legal representative, Patrick Steinfeld, the girl’s parents insisted on remaining in the courtroom to honor their daughter’s memory. The victim’s mother, Mercedes, struggled visibly as prosecutors presented the disturbing images. Burke, who has entered a plea of not guilty, remained shackled throughout the proceedings. The hearing is ongoing as the court evaluates whether sufficient grounds exist to move forward with a formal trial.
