Celeste Rivas' parents on Tuesday witnessed graphic evidence of their 14-year-old daughter's decapitated and mutilated corpse during the murder trial of her accused killer, identified as David Burke, also known as D4vd. The parents reportedly ignored requests from their attorney to look away as disturbing images were displayed in a Los Angeles courtroom.
LAPD homicide Detective Joshua Byers testified about the discovery of Rivas' body, detailing findings of maggots, flies, and "other liquid matter." Several photographs presented showed the victim's dismembered body, including severed arms and legs in a trash bag, and a head and torso in a body bag. "Trunk was open and there was a partially unzipped body bag with torso and head," Byers stated. "Missing extremities at the time."
Rivas' parents were seated near Burke as the evidence was presented. The trial has experienced multiple delays due to the significant amount of new evidence compiled by prosecutors, including lab reports, police reports, photographs, videos, arrest reports, and forensic evidence.
Burke was arrested on April 16. Law enforcement video footage showed him being led away from his Hollywood Hills home in handcuffs. Following a months-long investigation, Burke was taken into custody.
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. Prosecutors allege that Burke ordered an Uber to bring Rivas from her home in Lake Elsinore to his Hollywood Hills residence on the night of April 23, 2025. They claim he then stabbed her and allowed her to bleed to death.
According to court documents, Burke allegedly purchased a shovel from Home Depot the following day and later ordered two chainsaws from Amazon. On May 5, he reportedly ordered a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, and an inflatable pool. Prosecutors contend Burke placed Rivas' body in the pool to contain the blood and used a chainsaw, or other tools, to dismember her limbs.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges and faces the possibility of the death penalty.