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Chainsaw Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty, May 26 Hearing

4/30/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

David Anthony Burke was charged with murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in Los Angeles and entered a not-guilty plea.
Prosecutors say Burke bought two chainsaws and a pool to dismember the teen, whose autopsy revealed penetrating wounds and whose body was found in the trunk of a Tesla.
A judge set a May 26 hearing on charges that could allow the death penalty after investigators seized over 40 terabytes of digital evidence.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 Gregg v. Georgia decision ended the Furman moratorium, leading 35 states to adopt capital-punishment statutes and raising public support to 66% that year. Utah resumed executions first, carrying out Gary Gilmore’s firing-squad death on Jan 17 1977. Los Angeles now charges David Anthony Burke with killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, using more than 40 terabytes of digital evidence in a California death-penalty hearing.

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Story summary

David Anthony Burke was charged with murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in Los Angeles and entered a not-guilty plea.
Prosecutors say Burke bought two chainsaws and a pool to dismember the teen, whose autopsy revealed penetrating wounds and whose body was found in the trunk of a Tesla.
A judge set a May 26 hearing on charges that could allow the death penalty after investigators seized over 40 terabytes of digital evidence.

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