Inside D4vd’s Tesla: Air Fresheners, DNA Evidence, and the Tragic Case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

The chilling details of D4vd’s Tesla and the evidence found inside paint a haunting picture in the investigation of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death.

When true crime crosses paths with pop culture, it hits differently — especially when the accused is a rising music star like D4vd. The courtroom drama surrounding David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has taken a grim turn, revealing unsettling details about the discovery of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains. The eerie presence of multiple air fresheners inside Burke’s Tesla and the damning DNA evidence have set the stage for a case that’s as tragic as it is disturbing.

A Tesla Laden with Air Fresheners: Concealing More Than Just a Scent?

It’s not every day you hear that a car involved in a murder investigation was stuffed with air fresheners – but that’s exactly what the court heard. During the second day of the preliminary hearing, Los Angeles Police Department criminalist Chelsea Murillo testified that at least 11 air fresheners were discovered inside the Tesla Model X owned by D4vd. Most were concentrated on the center console, with a few nestled in the rear seat pockets.

Murillo described the moment she processed the vehicle a day after the horrifying discovery of Celeste’s remains in the storage compartment under the Tesla's front hood – an area typically called the “frunk.” She immediately noticed a strong odor, which from her professional experience “resembled a decomposing body.” The air fresheners, it seemed, were no mere decoration but possibly an attempt to mask the grim scent.

Adding to the macabre scene, prosecutors displayed graphic images showing fly larvae swarming one of the air fresheners near the body’s location. This chilling detail underscores how nature began reclaiming the scene long before the discovery.

The Gruesome Discovery: Human Remains and Blood Evidence

The victim’s body was found severely decomposed, packed inside two garbage bags in the Tesla's front storage space. Detective Joshua Byers recounted opening a cadaver bag to reveal a torso and head, alongside a separate black bag containing dismembered limbs. The decomposition was so advanced that Celeste’s face was unrecognizable.

Beyond the front compartment, Murillo also testified about blood stains discovered in the rear trunk of the Tesla, which were later confirmed to be Celeste’s blood. However, defense attorney Blair Berk pointed out that of all the DNA swabs collected by Murillo, only two tested positive for blood DNA – and neither was from the passenger compartment.

Inside the Rental Home: Blood, Pool, and Tools

The investigation took a darker turn with testimonies about Burke’s rental home where the alleged murder and dismemberment occurred. LAPD criminologist Lauren Wallace spoke of blood traces found on the rubber floor mats and the brick floor of the garage, as well as on a rowing machine, a green tarp, and some brown-stained wipes in the trash bin.

One grimly intriguing detail was the inflatable pool found in the garage, which prosecutors allege was used by Burke to collect blood during the dismemberment. Although no blood was visible to the naked eye, the pool emitted a “fresh, almost laundry-like scent” due to dryer sheets stuck on it. When sprayed with Bluestar – a luminol-like chemical that reveals blood traces – a specific patch glowed, suggesting hidden blood evidence.

DNA on Garbage Bags: A Tangled Web of Genetic Clues

On the third day of the hearing, criminalist Samantha Tosch revealed that DNA from Burke was found on a trash bag discovered in the garage, alongside genetic material from three other people. Notably, at least two of those individuals were male. This trash bag could be a pivotal piece of evidence in the case.

Tosch also highlighted that one of the brown-stained wipes found in the bin contained DNA that was “three trillion times more likely to have come from Celeste Rivas Hernandez than from an unknown person.” However, Burke’s DNA was not present on this wipe.

Interestingly, Tosch acknowledged in cross-examination that DNA can be transferred without direct contact, complicating the story these genetic clues tell. She maintained it was her professional opinion that the DNA on the trash bag belonged to Burke despite defense challenges about the LAPD software used in the analysis.

Chainsaws: The Tools of Alleged Dismemberment

The prosecution has alleged that Burke purchased chainsaws online shortly after Celeste’s death to aid in covering up the murder. At the hearing, Lauren Wallace disclosed that two chainsaws found in the garage were not swabbed for evidence since they “did not appear to be used.”

A detective testified that Burke bought a third chainsaw from Home Depot days after the alleged murder – a saw that was never recovered. Another electric saw found upstairs tested negative for blood, so it was not collected for forensic analysis.

Tattoos and Text Messages: A Troubling Connection

The court also examined tattoos that might link Burke and the victim. Photos displayed a red-ink tattoo of “Celeste” on Burke’s left ring finger and a “Shhh…” tattoo on his right index finger. Strikingly, Hernandez was shown to have a matching “Shhh…” tattoo on her right index finger, and a separate photo revealed a hand with missing ring and little fingers, adding a haunting layer to the story.

Moreover, prosecutors presented text message evidence alleging that Celeste threatened to expose her relationship with Burke before her death – a motive prosecutors claim led to the murder.

The Bigger Picture: Charges and Defense

Burke was charged with the first-degree murder of Celeste in April and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sexual abuse allegations. He denies killing the teenager and claims ignorance of her age, stating they only met once.

The victim was reported missing in April 2024, and her remains were found months later in Burke’s impounded Tesla. Investigators accessed Burke’s iCloud account and reportedly found “a significant amount of child pornography,” adding further weight to the case against him.

Burke’s defense team remains steadfast, promising to “vigorously defend David’s innocence” with evidence they believe will clear him.

The Preliminary Hearing: Setting the Stage for Trial

The ongoing preliminary hearing is critical. Prosecutors seek to convince the judge there is enough evidence to move forward to a full trial. This hearing marks the first time graphic images and detailed evidence have been shown publicly, including the haunting visuals of the decomposed body and the disturbing collection of items found in Burke’s possession.

Burke himself appeared shackled and dressed in jail clothes during the initial hearing, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The tragic loss of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and the grisly details emerging from this case make for a somber reflection on the darker side of fame and the human capacity for harm.

"The odour... resembled a decomposing body, based on my professional experience."

— Chelsea Murillo, LAPD Criminalist

FAQ

• What was found in D4vd’s Tesla related to the case?
  The Tesla contained the decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez in the front storage compartment along with at least 11 air fresheners. Blood stains and fly larvae were also discovered inside the vehicle.
• What DNA evidence has been linked to D4vd?
  Burke’s DNA was found on a trash bag in the garage linked to the case, alongside DNA from three other people. His DNA was not found on some blood-stained wipes but was present on other suspected blood evidence.
• Were the chainsaws found in the garage tested for evidence?
  Two chainsaws were found but not swabbed as they appeared unused. A third chainsaw purchased after the alleged murder was never recovered.
• What motive do prosecutors suggest for the murder?
  Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste because she threatened to expose their relationship, which could have ruined his music career.
• How does Burke respond to the allegations?
  Burke denies the charges, says he did not know Celeste was a minor, and claims to have only met her once. His legal team insists they will prove his innocence.

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