Blood stains found on objects recovered from the former Los Angeles home of singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, likely originated from 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to testimony heard in court on Thursday, July 24, 2026. Hernandez’s decomposed body was discovered in Burke’s Tesla last fall.

Prosecutors allege Burke fatally stabbed Hernandez last year to prevent her from revealing the sexual nature of their relationship amid his rising music career. A preliminary hearing has been underway this week to determine if there is probable cause for Burke to stand trial on charges including first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.

Samantha Tosch, an LAPD criminalist, testified that blood samples taken from a rowing machine, a rubber floor mat, and a Tesla charger in Burke’s garage were “one septillion times more likely to occur if it originated from Celeste rather than anyone else in the population.”

Defense attorneys scrutinized the testing process, with attorney Blair Berk questioning why certain items, such as chainsaws found in the musician’s garage, were not tested. Additionally, during cross-examination, defense attorney Regina Peter raised doubts about how Hernandez’s passport, found in January 2026 on a dirt embankment off State Route 154 in Santa Barbara, ended up there, asking if weather-related causes had been ruled out.

California Highway Patrol officer Sean Buenrostro testified about the passport’s discovery, and LAPD detective William Roecker stated that cellular data and Tesla system records showed Burke traveled to the area where the passport was found.

The hearing continues as the court evaluates the evidence to decide if Burke will face trial.

Sources