Gruesome details emerged in a Los Angeles courtroom detailing the alleged dismemberment and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, with the medical examiner testifying Friday about the state of her body when it was recovered. The preliminary hearing for David Burke, also known as D4vd, revealed that Rivas suffered stab wounds to her liver and chest, and her body was cut into multiple pieces, with her extremities showing signs of dismemberment possibly by a power tool.
Dr. Grant Ho, the medical examiner, testified that Rivas’ upper and lower limbs had multiple dismemberment sites. Photos displayed in court showed Rivas’ hands and fingers had been removed, alongside images of her decomposed body. Ho stated that one wound to Rivas’ abdomen punctured her liver, causing potentially life-threatening internal bleeding, while a chest wound could have been fatal. The medical examiner noted that Rivas, who was 14 at the time of her death, did not live to see her 15th birthday.
Burke, who was arrested on April 16, did not look at the graphic photos presented during the hearing. Rivas’ parents had left the courtroom before the most graphic details were shared, though their attorney remained present. The autopsy revealed Rivas’ body weighed 71 pounds and was markedly decomposed, with significant trauma to the extremities.
Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Rivas to death, then dismembered her body and placed the remains in bags, which were then loaded into his Tesla. Police found Rivas’ severed limbs, head, and fingers in the trunk of Burke’s vehicle. Detective Joshua Byers described the scene as containing maggots and flies, and noted other "liquid matter."
Evidence presented also included Rivas’ clothing found with her body, consisting of a Victoria's Secret thong, a Forever 21 tube top, and leggings. DNA analysis by LAPD criminalist Samantha Toch confirmed that blood found in Burke’s garage and in the Tesla trunk matched Rivas’ DNA. Blood stains were found on items in Burke’s garage, including a green tarp, a rowing machine, floor matting, and a Tesla charger. Burke’s DNA was also discovered on a black trash bag, and cleaning wipes with Rivas’ blood were found in the garage. Toch testified that the probability of the blood belonging to Rivas was "3 trillion percent."
Burke faces charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, such as lying in wait, murder of a witness, and murder for financial gain. He is also charged with lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 and mutilating human remains. The preliminary hearing will determine if Burke will proceed to trial. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has stated that Burke could face the death penalty if convicted.