Overview
- The preliminary hearing, which began Tuesday, July 21, featured prosecutors showing graphic photos of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered, decomposed remains that were found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke.
- Forensic witnesses testified that chemical tests revealed possible blood stains in Burke’s garage and in the Tesla and that DNA from those samples matched the victim’s profile.
- Prosecutors introduced digital and purchase records they say tie Burke to the disposal, including Amazon orders for chainsaws, body bags and a blue inflatable pool placed under an alias, plane tickets found in searches, and location and phone data linking him to key sites.
- Defense lawyers have pleaded not guilty, challenged evidence handling and chain of custody in court, and sought to cast doubt on forensic links while prosecutors press special‑circumstance allegations that could increase sentencing exposure.
- If Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo finds probable cause the case will go to trial and the district attorney will later decide whether to seek the death penalty; the proceedings have also prompted a county review into reported access to medical examiner files.