Family of teen murder victim watches forensic photos during preliminary hearing
During a preliminary hearing, the family of Celeste Rivas viewed forensic images of her dismembered remains, while the defendant appeared without handcuffs on his wrists.
Prosecutors presented forensic photographs of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas' remains to the court on the first day of the preliminary hearing for the murder case involving David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd. The images showed the victim's severed limbs and other body parts that had been placed in a black cadaver bag inside the trunk of the defendant's Tesla, according to testimony from an investigator.
The investigator also described the presence of maggots, flies and an unidentified liquid inside the vehicle. Prosecutor Beth Silverman warned the family before the evidence was displayed and briefly mouthed a question to them.
"You okay?"
Celeste's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, arrived at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse holding hands and remained seated as the photographs were shown. The courtroom audience reacted audibly as the evidence was presented, and the defendant was observed without handcuffs on his wrists, though he remained shackled at the waist.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The judge will later determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.