7 People Who Could Blow Up the D4vd Murder Trial

LAPD Detectives Josh Buyers and Corey Fel are expected to be key witnesses, particularly in preliminary hearings. They will connect the investigation's start to David's arrest, detailing evidence collection, processing, and interviews. Their testimony will cover the discovery of Celeste's body in the Tesla, surveillance footage of David driving the vehicle, Amazon and Postmate purchases of tools like chainsaws and body bags, Uber records tracking Celeste's movement to David's property, and alleged child sexual abuse material found on his devices.

Prosecution's pre-trial brief mentions detectives testifying to everything from the body's discovery in the Tesla (allegedly registered to David) to purchases of tools for dismemberment and cell phone activity tracking David's movements.

The medical examiner team, including Karen Tapia, Dr. Anzel Nam, Dr. Grant Hoe, and Daniel Garcia, will testify about Celeste's cause and manner of death (homicide due to multiple penetrating injuries). Their testimony will detail the extensive decomposition, dismemberment, and specific injuries like two penetrating wounds to the torso affecting the liver and ribs. This is critical as the defense has indicated David is not the cause of her death.

The death investigation report states 'Death was pronounced at the scene. Autopsy examination was limited by extensive post-mortem changes. There are two penetrating wounds of the torso with smooth edges that may represent sharp force injuries.' The report concludes 'the cause of death is multiple penetrating injuries. The manner of death is classified as homicide.'

Various forensic experts will provide specialized testimony. The LAPD's forensic science division's trace analysis unit will testify about blue plastic fragments found on Celeste's remains, matching them to an inflatable pool allegedly purchased by David. Forensic DNA analysts will link blood stains from David's garage to the victim's genetic profile. Tool mark examiners will analyze marks on the victim's ribs to identify the type of weapon used, and entomologists will use insect life cycles to establish a timeline and potential locations where the body was kept.

Prosecution brief details 'small blue plastic fragments were found embedded in the victim's remains... An expert was able to make a physical fit match from the blue fragments to the blue inflatable pool purchased by defendant.' Also, 'DNA evidence developed from blood stains collected from defendant's garage which match the victim's genetic profile.'

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department are expected to testify about Celeste being reported missing and their prior contacts with David. They will detail how David initially claimed ignorance of Celeste's minor status and missing person reports, despite showing deputies a yearbook photo of her. Their testimony will also cover David's alleged actions to maintain contact with Celeste after law enforcement intervention, including paying a student to give her a new phone.

Prosecution brief states 'RCSD telephonically contacted defendant... During the call, defendant claimed he had spoken to the victim last on February 13th or 14th, 2024, but stated he was unaware she was a minor or that she had been reported missing.' It also notes 'defendant drove to Lake Eleanor and paid a junior high school student... $1,000 to give the victim a cell phone defendant purchased so they could stay in contact.'

David's family (mother Colleen, father DeWood, brother Caleb Burke) and his purported former friend Neil Langston may be called to testify. His family was subpoenaed to a grand jury, and his mother, who manages his finances, could testify about his lucrative career to establish the financial gain motive. Langston, who was arrested for failing to appear as a witness, could testify about David's alleged lies regarding the strong smell of decay at his home. David's managers (Robert Morgan Roth, Josh Marshall) could also testify about his career's financial success and any observations related to Celeste.

Prosecution brief mentions 'the victim spent a significant amount of time with defendant, including summer weekends at his home... and traveling with him to Las Vegas, London, and Texas to meet his family.' Also, 'Colleen Burke is the mother of target David Burke... she is instrumental to his career success and manages his business finances.'