The Los Angeles district attorney has revealed that David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke, 21, was arrested and charged with Hernandez's murder in September after her decomposed remains were found in a Tesla registered to the rapper.
During a preliminary hearing, images of Hernandez's dismembered corpse were shown in court, with her parents present to face the horrific evidence.
The prosecutor is seeking to convince a judge that there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, which could potentially lead to the death penalty for Burke.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murdering and sexually abusing the teenage girl, and is accused of possessing a significant amount of child pornography on his phone.
The charges against Burke include first-degree murder with special circumstances, as well as lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a person under 14 years old and the mutilation of a human body.
According to the evidence presented, Burke had ordered chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a shovel, and a body bag online days after Hernandez's death.
A homicide detective testified that when the cadaver bag inside the Tesla was opened, it was found to contain decomposing human remains, including a head and torso.
The Tesla had been found abandoned in a tow yard, with the teenager's remains discovered inside after employees complained of a foul smell coming from the car.
Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she went to the rapper's home in the Hollywood Hills, and had a matching 'Shhh' tattoo with Burke on her right index finger.
The charges against Burke are extremely serious, and if convicted, he could face the death penalty for his alleged crimes.
The case has been especially difficult for Hernandez's parents, who were present in court to face the horrific evidence and were reportedly told they 'won't unsee' the images.
The prosecutor has described the evidence as 'damning', and the detective who discovered the remains has called it a 'parent's worst nightmare'.
