New forensic testimony presented in a Los Angeles courtroom has revealed additional details about the condition of singer D4vd’s Tesla, where investigators discovered the decomposing remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year.
The testimony came during the second day of a preliminary hearing that will determine whether David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, will stand trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Criminalist Describes What Was Found Inside the Tesla
LAPD criminalist Chelsea Murillo testified that she processed Burke’s Tesla on Sept. 9, 2025, one day after investigators discovered human remains inside the vehicle.
According to her testimony, she located 11 air fresheners throughout the Tesla. Most were found inside the center console, rear seating area, and the vehicle’s front trunk, commonly referred to as the “frunk.”
Murillo also testified that she observed a layer of dust covering the vehicle, suggesting it had been sitting unused for an extended period, and described a strong odor that she believed was consistent with human decomposition.
Evidence Collected From the Front Trunk
The witness told the court that investigators found insect activity inside the front trunk, including maggots and dead flies.
According to prosecutors, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were recovered from two separate bags located inside the front compartment of the Tesla after employees at a tow yard reported a powerful odor coming from the vehicle.
Graphic photographs presented during the hearing prompted emotional reactions inside the courtroom from members of the victim’s family.
Prosecutors Continue Presenting Timeline
Prosecutors allege Burke killed the teenager in April 2025 and later attempted to conceal evidence.
During earlier testimony, investigators described purchases allegedly made through online retailers, including chainsaws, cadaver bags, heavy-duty garbage bags, a shovel, and cleaning supplies. Prosecutors also allege Burke later drove to Santa Barbara County in an effort to dispose of items connected to the victim before returning to Los Angeles.
Additional forensic testimony presented on Thursday stated that blood recovered from several items inside Burke’s garage—including a tarp, rubber mat, Tesla charging plug, and rowing machine—was consistent with Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s DNA, according to LAPD criminalists.
Defense Challenges the Evidence
Burke’s defense team has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the forensic evidence.
During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned the reliability of some forensic testing and emphasized that the preliminary hearing is intended only to determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed to trial—not whether Burke is guilty.
Burke remains in custody without bail while the hearing continues.
Hearing Continues
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue over several days as prosecutors call additional witnesses and present further forensic evidence.
At the conclusion of the hearing, a judge will decide whether prosecutors have established probable cause for the criminal case to move forward to a jury trial.
Until then, Burke remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
