Prosecutors in Los Angeles have alleged that the singer D4vd, charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, possessed a significant amount of child pornography. The images were reportedly found on the iCloud account of the 21-year-old, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, during the investigation into the teenager's death.
Celeste's dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered in September in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. Burke has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team stating that he did not kill the girl and that evidence would show he was not the cause of her death.
In court on Thursday, prosecutor Beth Silverman alleged that police discovered the child sexual abuse material after executing a search warrant on Burke's phone and iCloud storage. The case has progressed rapidly since Burke's arrest last week; on Monday, he was charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that Burke engaged in a sexual relationship with Celeste that began when she was 13, and authorities believe he killed her to prevent her from reporting the relationship and to protect his music career. Celeste went to Burke's home on 23 April 2025 and was never seen again. A criminal complaint alleges Burke killed her with a sharp object and dismembered the body about two weeks later.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner revealed that Celeste died from penetrating injuries, including a wound to the liver. The condition of her remains delayed the determination of her cause of death. Burke's attorneys have pushed for a swift public presentation of evidence, and the singer has exercised his right to a preliminary hearing within 10 court days of arraignment. A hearing is set for next week, where prosecutors are expected to outline the evidence.
Silverman noted that investigators have collected about 40 terabytes of data, including phone and iCloud contents, forensic material, and witness testimony. She expressed caution about turning over sensitive materials found on Burke's phone. Celeste's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, have called for justice, describing their daughter as a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance.
