New evidence was presented in court on Thursday during the preliminary hearing of singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke. Prosecutors called LAPD criminalist Lisa Lahendro to explain the condition of the clothing found with Celeste Rivas’ body. The courtroom also heard more testimony from forensic experts about evidence collected from Burke’s Tesla and Hollywood Hills home. The hearing followed two days of emotional testimony, with Rivas’ family watching as investigators described the evidence connected to the case. Burke has denied the charges against him.
Celeste Rivas’ clothing becomes key evidence in D4vd preliminary hearing
LAPD criminalist Lisa Lahendro told the court that the clothing found with Celeste Rivas’ body included a Victoria’s Secret thong, a Forever 21 tube top, and leggings.She said the clothes were in very poor condition. According to her testimony, they were heavily soiled, very wet, covered with many insects, and had a very strong smell.Lahendro also testified that detectives later found pieces of black fabric inside a trash bag in David Burke’s garage. Investigators said the fabric was compared with Rivas’ clothing as part of the investigation.Earlier in the week, the court was shown disturbing photographs of Rivas’ body. Her parents were present in the courtroom as investigators described the evidence. Detectives testified that Rivas’ body had been found in separate pieces, and several photographs were shown during the hearing.
Court hears more testimony about Tesla, garage, and D4vd’s earnings
The hearing also included testimony from other LAPD forensic experts.Criminalist Chelsea Murillo said she examined Burke’s Tesla after Rivas’ body had been removed. She told the court that the car had a very strong smell that reminded her of a decomposing body. Murillo also said she found at least 11 air fresheners inside the vehicle, including some in the trunk and center console.Another criminalist, Lauren Wallace, testified that she searched Burke’s Hollywood Hills home for evidence. She said tests found signs of possible blood on the brick floor underneath mats in the garage.The court also heard testimony about Burke’s finances. Lewis Poimiroo, senior vice president of finance at Interscope Records, said Burke earned about $2.77 million in 2025. The testimony showed that he continued to receive money from his music career in the months after prosecutors say Rivas was killed.Burke has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, mutilation of human remains, and lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under the age of 14. Prosecutors also allege that he arranged an Uber to bring Rivas from her family’s home in Lake Elsinore to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025.As the preliminary hearing continues, prosecutors are presenting forensic evidence and witness testimony to support their case. The court will later decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward to trial.