Lawyers for musician David Burke, known as D4vd, argued in court Friday that his alleged victim, Celeste Rivas, could have committed suicide before her dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of his Tesla.
The defense team for Burke stated that the possibility Rivas stabbed herself could not be ruled out, following testimony from medical examiner Dr. Grant Ho.
Ho testified that two wounds were found on Rivas' body, one on her right abdomen and one on her chest. The abdominal wound punctured her liver and was consistent with "sharp force injury." When questioned by the defense, Ho indicated that hesitation marks are usually found in cases of self-inflicted wounds.
Ho stated that Rivas' cause of death was homicide due to "multiple penetrating injuries."
Investigators presented testimony Friday during the preliminary hearing that Rivas' body was found dismembered. Ho described the victim's upper and lower extremities as having been cut, with each leg showing two dismemberment sites, potentially from a power tool.
During the initial days of the hearing, the court viewed graphic images of Rivas' decapitated and mutilated body. Photos depicted her dismembered body, including arms and legs in a trash bag and her head and torso in a body bag.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances including lying in wait, murder of a witness to an investigation, and murder for financial gain. He also faces charges of lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old and mutilating human remains.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege Burke ordered an Uber to bring Rivas from her family home to his Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025. They contend he then stabbed her and allowed her to bleed to death.
The preliminary hearing, which began Tuesday, is expected to continue for three to five days and will determine if Burke will face a trial. The case is likely to proceed to trial next year.