Gruesome images in D4vd hearing are 'worst nightmare' for teen girl's family

What the report says

BBC World News reports that graphic evidence was presented in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday at the start of a preliminary hearing in the murder case against David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer known as D4vd. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges that he murdered and sexually abused 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing is not a trial; prosecutors are seeking to persuade a judge there is enough evidence for the case to proceed.

According to the BBC’s court report, prosecutors showed crime scene photographs of Celeste’s dismembered remains, which were found last year in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in Hollywood, Los Angeles. A homicide detective testified that, after Celeste’s death, Burke ordered items online including body bags, chainsaws, an inflatable pool and a shovel, allegedly using an alias. Investigators contend the items were connected to efforts to dismember and conceal her body.

The BBC reported that prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Celeste and later dismembered her body to hide the killing after years of alleged sexual abuse. They also claim he killed her because she had threatened to expose a relationship with a minor and damage his music career. The court was shown tattoos that prosecutors say link Burke and Celeste, including matching “Shhh...” tattoos.

Celeste’s parents were in court as the images were displayed. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, told the BBC the experience was horrifying for the family and described it as a parent’s “worst nightmare.” The preliminary hearing is expected to continue for several days, with more prosecution witnesses due to testify.