In brief
In a Los Angeles courtroom, prosecutors for the first time showed graphic photos of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body as part of a preliminary hearing against singer D4vd, who is accused of murder and sexual abuse. The evidence, including chainsaw and body‑bag purchases, linked the 21‑year‑old musician to the crime. Celeste’s parents witnessed the horrendous images live and reported being devastated, describing the experience as a parent’s worst nightmare. The judge, hearing testimony from detective Joshua Byers and prosecutor Beth Silverman, considered whether enough evidence exists to proceed to trial. The case has attracted intense media attention, with journalists and TikTok creators given limited seats to watch the proceedings.
WARNING: Readers may find details in this article distressing.
In a Los Angeles courtroom, prosecutors for the first time showed graphic photos of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body as part of a preliminary hearing against singer D4vd, who is accused of murder and sexual abuse.
The evidence, including purchase of chainsaws, body bags and an inflatable pool, linked the 21‑year‑old musician to the crime. Detective Joshua Byers testified that the body was found in the trunk of a Tesla, partially decomposed to the point where a face could no longer be identified, and that Burke had ordered tools online shortly after Celeste’s death.
Celeste’s parents were present as the court displayed the photos. Their lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, described the images as “absolutely deplorable” and said the parents, shaken, decided to stay in the courtroom to stand with their daughter. The parents felt they could never “unsee” the images.
Prosecutor Beth Silverman repeatedly warned parents before each photo, and the judge considered whether the evidence was sufficient to move the case forward to jury trial. The hearing also included testimony about tattoos connecting Burke to Celeste, and the case has generated intense media interest, with reporters, YouTubers, and TikTok creators given limited seats to watch the proceedings.
