Celeste Rivas Hernandez Was 'Unrecognizable,' Cop Who Saw Remains Testifies at D4vd Hearing - Rolling Stone

What the report says

Rolling Stone reported that a Los Angeles courtroom heard detailed evidence July 21 during the first day of a preliminary hearing for musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, in the murder case involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. LAPD Detective Joshua Byers testified that Rivas’ remains, found in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla last year, were so decomposed that her face was “unrecognizable.” Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas on April 23, 2025, to conceal sexual abuse, later dismembered her body and hid the remains in the vehicle before leaving on tour. Rolling Stone reported that prosecutors showed courtroom images of the remains and cited alleged physical evidence, including plastic fragments they linked to an inflatable pool. Rivas’ parents were present in court, and the judge is expected to decide after the multiday hearing whether the case should proceed to trial.

The report said Burke faces charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, with special circumstance allegations also filed. Prosecutors claim Burke first met Rivas online when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13. Body-camera footage shown in court depicted deputies speaking with Burke in February 2024 after Rivas had been reported missing.

Byers also testified about vehicle data, surveillance footage and purchase records that prosecutors say connect Burke to the Tesla and to tools allegedly used after the killing. Defense lawyers questioned investigative gaps, including why some items were not tested more extensively.