Text Messages and Explicit Photos Presented as Evidence

Prosecutors presented text messages and explicit photos from iCloud backups, showing that Burke and Rivas began exchanging messages in August 2022 when she was 11 and Burke was 17. According to KTLA. These messages were part of a long-term relationship prosecutors describe as “missbräuchlich” (abusive), as described in DIE ZEIT — the messages included discussions about abortion and emergency contraception. In one text. Burke asked, “When are you going to get an abortion?” while Rivas expressed concerns about a failed abortion procedure, as reported by 동아일보.

On the night before her disappearance in April 2025, Rivas sent Burke a threatening message, saying she would expose him and “end your career and your life.” According to ABC7 Bay Area, Burke allegedly took this as a threat and stabbed her to death. Rivas’ phone stopped transmitting data shortly after she arrived at Burke’s Hollywood home, as detailed in court testimony.

Decomposed and Dismembered Body

The prosecution also introduced graphic photographs of the victim’s decomposed and dismembered remains, as reported by KTLA. Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified that the teen was likely stabbed twice,once in the chest and once in the abdomen,before her body was dismembered, allegedly using a chainsaw. Burke allegedly ordered the chainsaws online under a false name and used them to carry out the dismemberment. According to WELT, the victim’s body was found in Burke’s vehicle with severe injuries consistent with an electric saw.

Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued that the evidence did not prove Burke had a deliberate intent to kill, according to ABC7 Bay Area. She asked the court to dismiss the murder charge, but the judge ruled that prosecutors met their burden of proof.

Public Attention and Security Concerns

As the case unfolds, Burke’s Apple Music profile was hacked over the weekend, and a fake song titled “I Did It” was briefly uploaded, professed love for Rivas. The incident has drawn international attention, according to criminal defense attorney Lou Shapiro, who is not involved in the case. He told KTLA that the hacking adds to the intense scrutiny already surrounding the trial.

If convicted, Burke could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty, according to DIE ZEIT. The prosecution has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty, as noted in the same report.