Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s parents stayed in the courtroom Tuesday, even after they were warned that the testimony about their 14-year-old daughter’s death would be difficult to hear.
Across the room sat singer D4vd, legally named David Burke, who is accused of killing Celeste and dismembering her body before her remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, child sex abuse and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The first day of Burke’s preliminary hearing included testimony from LAPD homicide Det. Joshua Byers, who described the condition of the body discovered in September 2025.
Celeste Rivas supporters found the truck D4vd was being transported in after his court hearing today pic.twitter.com/ZocTceMtJx
— 212 (@212mediaTV) July 22, 2026
“There were maggots,” Byers said, according to the California Post. “There were flies. I don’t know how to describe the other liquid matter.”
Celeste’s mother, Mercedes Martinez, appeared close to fainting as someone beside her offered support, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported. Burke reportedly showed no visible reaction while restrained in his chair.
Prosecutors allege Burke first met Celeste when she was 11 and began sexually abusing her two years later. They claim he traveled with her during 2024 and led her to believe they had a future together.
Court filings state that Celeste later threatened to disclose “damaging information” about their relationship. Prosecutors accuse Burke of killing her shortly before his debut album was released, then sending messages to her phone in an effort to create the appearance that he did not know where she was.
Patrick Seinfeld, attorney for the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, spoke outside court, noting that D4vd’s mother is still searching for a new entertainment attorney for him, according to testimony from the last witness, who worked for Mogulvision. The revelation comes even as… pic.twitter.com/RzSDJIVFX8
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) July 21, 2026
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors have not decided whether to pursue the death penalty.
The hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.