Los Angeles prosecutors present forensic evidence in D4vd murder hearing
During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors detailed blood and DNA evidence linking indie-pop singer David Burke to the stabbing death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, while the defense challenged the collection methods.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles presented forensic findings on Wednesday in an effort to convince a judge that singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, should be tried for the stabbing death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing focused on blood-stain and DNA samples collected from Burke’s garage and the Tesla in which the body was later discovered.
Los Angeles Police Department criminalist Lauren Wallace testified that apparent blood stains and slits from a sharp object were found on rubber mats in Burke’s Hollywood garage, and that chemical testing revealed additional possible blood traces on garbage bags, cleaning wipes and a rowing machine. She said the blood matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA. Another LAPD criminalist, Chelsea Murillo, reported finding smaller, similar stains in the Tesla.
The defense questioned the evidence-collection process, asking about glove use and why DNA swabs were not taken from the exterior of the Tesla. Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, highlighted potential lapses in preserving the crime scene.
Prosecutors also outlined a court filing alleging that Burke, an indie-pop artist with a multi-million-dollar career, began a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18. They claim she threatened to expose the relationship, prompting Burke to stab her on April 23, 2025, after sending a car to pick her up. According to the filing, the body was stored in the Tesla’s front trunk for weeks before being discovered when the vehicle was towed in September.
Detective Joshua Byers testified that a body bag containing a head and torso, along with garbage bags holding limbs, was found in a Hollywood tow yard, and that records showed Burke had purchased a body bag and chain saws online. A California Highway Patrol officer also testified that Rivas Hernandez’s passport was found in a rural area of Santa Barbara County, a location where data placed Burke on the night of the killing and again six weeks later.
Rivas Hernandez’s parents attended the hearing but are not expected to testify. Burke remains in custody without bail. Financial witnesses noted that his music generated at least $10 million between 2023 and 2025, highlighting his prominence in the indie-rock, R&B and lo-fi pop scenes.