Court Showcases Graphic Images in D4vd Murder Case, Leaving Parents in Shock

Sun Sep 06 2026 20:03:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The preliminary hearing in Los Angeles presented the first public images of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body, a deeply distressing moment for her parents and the court.

In an unprecedented move, prosecutors displayed graphic photographs of the dismembered body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14‑year‑old girl whose remains were found in a Tesla linked to singer‑artist D4vd. The images were shown to the victim’s parents, who were warned of the content beforehand. The defense’s lawyer described the scene as the parents’ “worst nightmare,” while the judge watched the impact of the evidence on the legal process. The hearing is part of efforts to establish sufficient proof to proceed to trial, with further witnesses slated for later sessions.

WARNING: This article contains graphic details that may disturb some readers.

The first day of the preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer‑artist D4vd – stage name D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke – saw the shocking footage of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body presented to the courtroom. Prosecutors have shown photos of her dismembered remains, including a torso and head found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, a vehicle whose owner was later identified as the alleged perpetrator.

A homicide detective testified that Burke had ordered body bags, chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel online soon after Celeste’s death. He claimed these items were used to conceal the murder and dismember the victim.

Burke, who pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse charges, was brought into the courthouse in an orange jail uniform, angel‑wrapped to the wrists and ankles. His attorney enabled him to respond with brief statements to the judge, but he remained restrained on the chair throughout the proceedings.

Throughout the nightly session, prosecutor Beth Silverman repeatedly warned Celeste’s parents before each image, asking if they wanted to look away. “These pictures are a horror you will not forget,” the lawyer telling the mother, Mercedes, made clear. The mother declined to step out of the courtroom and instead stood in tears, feeling the weight of her daughter’s death.

The defense’s lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, described the experience as “an extreme, private family’s worst nightmare.” He highlighted the unlikely preparation parents had for viewing such graphic evidence, noting that “once they saw them, they could never unsee the images.”

Members of the public, journalists, and online content creators were allowed to sit in a lottery‑selected south‑side section of the small downtown Los Angeles courtroom. High‑profile media presence amplified the emotional gravity of the case.

Detective Joshua Byers outlined evidence linking Burke to the crime, including a red‑ink tattoo reading “Celeste” on Burke’s left ring finger and a matching “Shhh…” tattoo on his right index finger. Similar markings were found on Celeste’s finger, further suggesting a sinister relationship. The prosecution also presented photographs of the partially dismembered body, noting the severity of decomposition that rendered the face unrecognizable.

The preliminary hearing is projected to span several days, with additional witnesses expected to corroborate the chain of evidence. The court’s decision will determine whether the case proceeds to a jury trial.