D4vd’s Phone Had ‘a Significant Amount of Child Pornography,’ Says Prosecutor

A young singer, known by the stage name D4vd, faces severe charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The case revolves around the tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of a vehicle owned by the accused in September 2025.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was officially charged on April 23, reflecting on the one-year anniversary of Rivas’ alleged murder. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman highlighted in court that evidence, including material classified as child sexual abuse content, was found on Burke’s mobile device. This revelation has shocked many, further complicating the already harrowing details of the case.

During the court proceedings, Burke appeared in an orange jumpsuit and maintained a composed demeanour, occasionally nodding as Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo presided over the hearing. Silverman stated that the prosecution holds a significant amount of evidence, estimated to be between 20 to 30 terabytes, which the defence has requested access to in preparation for trial. While Burke did not visibly react to the allegations made against him, the seriousness of the claims looms heavily over the proceedings.

An autopsy report that became public recently confirmed that Rivas died due to multiple penetrating injuries from blunt objects, categorising her death as a homicide. The findings revealed brutal wounds, including one that severely damaged her liver and another that fractured ribs in her chest area. The details are harrowing, painting a grim picture of the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has indicated that Rivas was allegedly a witness to a separate investigation involving Burke at the time of her death. According to Hochman, the accused might have viewed Rivas as a threat to his burgeoning music career, believing that she intended to disclose information about previous inappropriate interactions. The last known sighting of Rivas was in Burke’s home, intensifying the scrutiny on his actions during that period.

After Burke’s arrest on April 16, Rivas’ family made a poignant statement, expressing their grief and invoking memories of their daughter. The family described Celeste as a vibrant young girl with a passion for singing and dancing. They expressed their longing for justice, underlining the immense emotional toll her loss has taken on them. “We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste,” the statement concluded, encapsulating their despair.

The investigation into Rivas’ case reveals that she had been reported missing multiple times over the previous year, with some community members suggesting that she had a history of running away. Despite this, the circumstances of her final days highlight a more sinister narrative, particularly in light of the allegations against Burke.

Given the gravity of the charges, Burke faces a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted. The district attorney has remarked that, although they have not yet made a decision, the possibility of pursuing the death penalty remains on the table. The legal process continues to unfold, with an evidentiary hearing scheduled for April 29, followed by Burke’s preliminary hearing slated for May 1.

As this case develops, it raises significant questions about child protection and the obligations of adults in positions of trust. The tragic outcome for Celeste Rivas Hernandez serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent child abuse within communities. Public interest remains high as the legal proceedings are set to carry on, scrutinising not just the alleged actions of Burke but also the systemic failures that may have allowed such a tragedy to occur.