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Man Charged with Murder After Dismembering Teen, Body in Tesla

5/1/2026

33 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

David Anthony Burke was charged with first-degree murder for the April 2025 killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say he bought a chainsaw, shovel and body bag online under a false name, dismembered the victim in his garage, and stored the remains in his Tesla near his Hollywood Hills home.
Burke entered a not-guilty plea and his attorneys will vigorously defend his innocence.

History

Historical Context

After Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were murdered on June 12 1994, O.J. Simpson’s criminal trial ran from January 24 to October 3 1995, lasting eight months and presenting over 1,100 pieces of evidence. The case revived public distrust of the LAPD after the 1992 Rodney King beating and riots, prompting California to create a DNA crime lab and amend its Evidence Code.

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Story summary

David Anthony Burke was charged with first-degree murder for the April 2025 killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say he bought a chainsaw, shovel and body bag online under a false name, dismembered the victim in his garage, and stored the remains in his Tesla near his Hollywood Hills home.
Burke entered a not-guilty plea and his attorneys will vigorously defend his innocence.

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