Celeste Rivas' family stayed in court as Tesla evidence was shown
Relatives of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas watched as prosecutors displayed evidence during D4vd's preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, TMZ reported.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Celeste Rivas' family stayed in the courtroom as prosecutors displayed graphic evidence from the murder case against singer D4vd, despite being warned ahead of time to lower their heads, TMZ reported.
The moment came during the first day of D4vd's preliminary hearing in downtown Los Angeles, where prosecutor Beth Silverman presented images tied to the discovery of the 14-year-old's remains, according to TMZ.
TMZ reported that Silverman gave Celeste's family advance notice before showing photos of severed arms and legs that prosecutors said were found inside the front trunk of D4vd's Tesla. The outlet reported that the family did not turn away.
An investigator testified that the limbs were discovered in a black cadaver bag, according to TMZ. The investigator also said another bag held Celeste's head and torso.
The testimony included descriptions of maggots, flies and an unidentified liquid inside the vehicle, TMZ reported.
At one point, according to TMZ, Silverman appeared to mouth, “You okay?” toward Celeste's family as the evidence continued. The outlet reported that the photos shown in court included Celeste's “Shhh” finger tattoo, two amputated fingers and blue plastic fragments lodged in her severed body.
People in the courtroom could be heard sighing as the images were shown, TMZ reported. D4vd also looked at the photos, according to the outlet.
Celeste's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, were seen holding hands as they arrived at the courthouse Tuesday morning, TMZ reported. The outlet described them as solemn.
The charges against D4vd
Prosecutors allege D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, killed Celeste inside his Hollywood Hills home in April 2025, according to TMZ. Prosecutors further allege he dismembered her and hid her remains in his Tesla.
TMZ previously reported that Celeste's body was found months later after the Tesla was towed to a Hollywood impound lot.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains, according to TMZ.
The preliminary hearing is meant to determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. A judge will make that decision.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.