Singer D4vd Had Extensive Child Abuse Imagery, Prosecutors Allege in Murder Case
Prosecutors claim US singer D4vd possessed a "significant amount" of images depicting child sexual abuse on his mobile phone and iCloud account. This allegation surfaced through search warrants executed during the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was discovered in Burke's Tesla in September 2025.
David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is accused by prosecutors of repeatedly sexually abusing the teenager before killing and dismembering her. They suggest these actions were undertaken to safeguard his lucrative music career. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. His legal team maintains they "will vigorously defend David's innocence" and anticipate that "the evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste." Currently, no criminal charges specifically relate to the new allegations concerning child abuse imagery.
Rivas Hernandez's remains were found in a black zipper bag in the front boot of Burke's Tesla after police responded to reports of a foul odour emanating from the vehicle at a Hollywood tow yard. Investigations have revealed that the teen was last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 3 April 2025. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell have stated they have recovered and analysed "a substantial amount of digital and forensic evidence." The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's autopsy report confirmed Rivas Hernandez died by homicide from "multiple penetrating injuries" and noted her body was heavily decomposed.
Burke's global tour was cancelled following the discovery, and he subsequently withdrew from public life. His arrest was announced last week, with the district attorney filing seven criminal charges. Two further court hearings are scheduled for next week, Wednesday and Friday.
