During Burke’s arraignment on Monday, his defense team entered a not guilty plea for him to all counts arguing that the evidence shows Burke didn’t kill the girl. Blair Berk, the lead defense attorney, said that he believes that the evidence will show David Burke didn’t murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez. “We want the evidence to be brought into the open. Burke is accused of killing the victim with a sharp instrument on April 23, 2025 after she threatened to expose his relationship because his career was booming. ‘GONE GIRL KIDNAPPER’ CHARGED FOR CALIFORNIA HOUSE INVASION CASES FROM 2009Prosecutors alleged Burke mutilated the victim’s body about two weeks after, Fox 11 reported.Four months later on Sept. 8, 20,25, the victim’s decomposed remains were discovered in the trunk of a car that Burke had registered and was impounded for being abandoned. Hochman said that Celeste was a young child, less than 14 years old when David Burke is alleged to have engaged in repeated lascivious and lewd sexual relations with her. But Burke’s actions allegedly did not stop there. Burke allegedly killed her when she threatened to expose him and ruin his music career. He then cut up her body, stuffed it in two bags and placed them in the trunk of his car. The dismembered corpse sat there for over four months, decomposing, until it was discovered at a tow-yard on September 8, 2025. This horrifying and gruesome crime committed by the accused sexual predator is shocking. We will bring justice to Celeste’s family. “CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPBurke, who was reportedly touring to promote his album at the time Hernandez’s body had been discovered, was reportedly on a tour. Burke canceled all of his remaining concerts after allegations of his involvement were made public. Based on the charges, Burke could face death or life imprisonment in state prison, without parole.
