Trial of accused killer David Burke includes graphic evidence of victim's dismemberment
During the first day of David Burke's murder trial in Los Angeles, prosecutors presented photographs of the victim, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, that showed extensive dismemberment, while her parents observed from the courtroom.
Prosecutors displayed photographs of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas' body during the first day of the murder trial of David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, in a Los Angeles courtroom. The images showed the victim's head, torso, arms and legs separated and placed in body bags and other containers.
Detective Joshua Byers testified that the body was found in the trunk of Burke's Tesla, describing the condition of the remains and noting the presence of insects and fluid.
Rivas' parents were seated near the defendant while the evidence was shown.
Burke, who was arrested on April 16, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilation of a human body. Legal filings allege that he ordered an Uber to transport Rivas to his home, where she was stabbed and later dismembered using tools that were reportedly ordered online.
The defendant has entered a not-guilty plea and the case may proceed toward a potential death-penalty consideration.