The family of Celeste Rivas departed the Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday before Deputy Medical Examiner Grant Ho began presenting the autopsy findings in the murder case of David Burke, also known as D4vd. Rivas' parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, had attended most of the preliminary hearing.
Ho testified that Rivas' body weighed only 71 pounds and was "markedly decomposed." He also noted "trauma to body, particularly the extremities" and the discovery of the teen's braces during the examination. Rivas was 14 years old when she was allegedly killed.
Earlier in the week, Rivas' parents witnessed graphic images of their daughter's body, which had allegedly been dismembered and placed in bags. According to reports, Burke is accused of stabbing Rivas to death, dismembering her, and then transporting the body parts in his Tesla. The family attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, described the experience for the parents as "extremely bad," with the mother breaking down in tears.
Despite the emotional distress, the parents reportedly stayed to show strength for their daughter. Steinfeld stated that they are "at a loss of words and they're just trying to do the best they can as parents."
Testimony from Ho was expected to continue on Friday. Burke remained silent and expressionless throughout Thursday's proceedings.
