Day three of the preliminary hearing for musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, brought forward chilling forensic testimony and digital tracking evidence, according to courtroom reports. The proceedings will determine if prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to take Burke to trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The closed-door proceedings were extensively documented by internet commentator Sloan Hooks (@sloanhooks). Hooks is a popular YouTube and Instagram personality with over 1.2 mln subscribers who specializes in pop culture, internet drama, and true crime storytelling.
Forensics tie dismemberment to garage pool
LAPD trace criminalist Lisa LaHendro testified about microscopic blue fragments found in Hernandez’s heavily deteriorated clothing, specifically a pair of leggings. Under a microscope, investigators matched the odd-shaped fragments, some as small as half a centimeter, to tears in a blue inflatable pool recovered from Burke’s garage. This evidence strongly supports the prosecution’s theory that Hernandez was dismembered inside the pool at Burke’s residence.
LAPD crime lab DNA expert Samantha Tosch confirmed multiple DNA matches linking the victim to the crime scene. Blood stains found on a black gym mat, a rowing machine, a Tesla charger, a green tarp, and hand wipes from a trash bag in the garage all matched Hernandez’s DNA. Tosch noted that some matches presented a «one septillion» chance of belonging to anyone else. Additionally, Tosch testified that Hernandez’s DNA was found in Burke’s Tesla, specifically in the lower trunk.
Digital tracking reveals D4vd late-night trips
Detective William Roecker a technology specialist for the LAPD, presented digital evidence tracking Burke’s phone and his Tesla to Santa Barbara on three separate occasions. The first trip occurred late on April 23, the night Hernandez was allegedly murdered, with the vehicle returning to Burke’s Doheny Place residence around 7:06 a.m. Subsequent trips were recorded on May 8 and May 31.
According to Roker, the May 8 trip placed the vehicle in the exact area where Hernandez’s ID was later recovered on the highway by Officer Sean Buenrostro. During cross-examination, the defense attempted to cast doubt on the tracking data, questioning whether it could be definitively proven that Burke was the individual operating the vehicle and holding the phone during these trips.
Medical examiner details extreme decomposition at the hearing
Dr. Grant Ho of the medical examiner’s office testified to the severe decomposition of Hernandez’s remains. According to Dr. Ho, the 5-foot-2, 71-pound victim sustained trauma consistent with dismemberment, but the condition of the body made it difficult to definitively determine the initial cause of death.
Financial and investigatory testimonies
The prosecution’s timeline of events was supported by a roster of additional witnesses, including:
- Deputy Juan Gonzalez, who conducted the initial welfare check for Hernandez at Burke’s home.
- Detective Josh Byers, the lead investigator who presented graphic photographs of the victim’s remains discovered in bags.
- Chelsea Murillo and Lauren Wallace, criminalists who detailed the initial discovery of blood evidence in Burke’s Tesla and garage.
- Benjamin Greger and Louis Bloom, financial and music industry figures who testified regarding Burke’s multi-million dollar earnings and his contract termination from Interscope Records.
Burke’s defense team has consistently challenged the evidence, suggesting alternative explanations such as accidental DNA transfer and raising the possibility that an unidentified third party had access to Burke’s vehicle, phone, and home.
The judge is expected to rule soon on whether the prosecution has met the burden of proof required to proceed to a full criminal trial.
