Overview

Los Angeles County prosecutors have revealed that singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During a recent court appearance, prosecutors disclosed that Burke's cellphone contained a significant amount of child pornography, with over 40 terabytes of digital evidence recovered.

The court proceedings were initially set to determine if there was sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial. However, the focus shifted to discussing the next steps in the case, with a secondary status update conference scheduled for April 29 and a preliminary hearing tentatively set for May 1.

Key details

  • D4vd is charged with murder related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
  • Prosecutors reported finding over 40 terabytes of digital evidence on Burke's iPhone and iCloud account.
  • There is a significant amount of child pornography included in the recovered data.
  • The court appearance occurred one year after Rivas Hernandez was believed to have been killed.
  • Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented the evidence to a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.
  • Three grand juries have reviewed evidence in the investigation to date.
  • The images were discovered through a series of search warrants, though details about the content were not disclosed.
  • Defense attorneys requested that prosecutors provide basic discovery during the proceedings.
  • Burke appeared in court in an orange inmate jumpsuit and shackles.
  • He acknowledged the proceedings but did not make further comments.
  • The autopsy results for Rivas Hernandez revealed she died from multiple penetrating injuries to the torso.
  • The autopsy was performed in September 2025, shortly after her body was found in a Tesla's trunk.

Context

The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges against Burke and the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Rivas Hernandez. The revelations regarding the digital evidence add another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.

What happens next

A secondary status update conference is set for April 29, with a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for May 1, where the court will further evaluate the evidence against Burke.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific content of the child pornography found on Burke's devices have not been confirmed, nor is it clear how the evidence will impact the murder charge.