Overview
- Prosecutors have charged David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, with first‑degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of a corpse; he has pleaded not guilty and has been in custody since April.
- During the multi‑day preliminary hearing that began Tuesday, prosecutors showed photos of dismembered remains found in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla and presented testimony about insect activity and decomposition inside the vehicle.
- Forensic technicians testified that luminol tests flagged possible blood in Burke’s garage and that investigators recovered an inflatable pool, two chainsaws, a green tarp with red stains, and eleven air fresheners in the Tesla.
- Prosecutors introduced digital and documentary evidence including phone records, chat logs, surveillance footage, and online purchase histories that they say document a sexual relationship and purchases allegedly used after the killing.
- The defense denies Burke caused Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death and disputes that the presented tests and links prove guilt, and the judge’s ruling will determine whether the case advances to a full criminal trial where harsher penalties may be sought.