DNA Evidence Links Celeste Rivas Hernandez to Murder Suspect David Burke's Hollywood Home

A DNA forensic specialist testified that biological evidence recovered from a Hollywood garage matched the genetic profile of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old whose remains were discovered months after her death. The testimony during the preliminary hearing for musician David Burke revealed that blood samples from multiple surfaces in the garage—including a rubber mat, rowing machine, and Tesla charger—contained her DNA with probability odds of one septillion to one against random match.

Courtroom Testimony and Evidence Presentation

During the third day of the preliminary hearing, forensic criminalist Samantha Tosch from the Los Angeles Police Department detailed findings that shifted the emotional atmosphere of the courtroom. As Tosch explained how multiple blood samples matched Rivas Hernandez's genetic markers, the teenager's mother became visibly overwhelmed, accepting tissues while processing the technical evidence linking her daughter to Burke's residence. Burke, whose legal name is David Burke, sat without apparent reaction as prosecutors presented the analysis.

Tosch testified that samples taken from apparent bloodstains in the garage contained DNA matching Celeste with statistical certainty expressed as one septillion times more probable than occurring in any other individual within the general population—a figure represented by 24 zeros. Additional evidence included a garbage bag discovered in the same garage containing cleaning wipes with mixed DNA from four individuals, at least two of whom were male.

Case Background and Charges

Prosecutors contend that Burke killed the adolescent and dismembered her body in the garage after she threatened to expose an alleged sexual relationship that could have damaged his music career. The prosecution alleges that Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 years old. Her dismembered and decomposed remains were eventually found in the front storage compartment of a Tesla owned by the 21-year-old social media personality in September, abandoned in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood. The body was discovered more than four months after authorities believe she was murdered, limiting the coroner's autopsy findings due to extensive post-mortem decomposition.

Medical examiner Dr. Grant Ho determined that Rivas Hernandez died from penetrating wounds to the upper body, classifying the death as a homicide. Burke faces charges of murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and cadaver mutilation. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his legal team indicating they will mount a vigorous defense. The preliminary hearing, scheduled to last several days, will determine whether Burke proceeds to trial.