Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, faces serious allegations as prosecutors claim his phone contained substantial child pornography, further complicating his ongoing murder case. During a recent court session in Los Angeles, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented this evidence, which is part of a broader set of investigative materials, including wiretaps and 40 terabytes of data.
Burke, aged 21, stands accused of first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and mutilating human remains. These charges relate to the tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer pled not guilty to all charges, with his legal team asserting that the evidence will absolve him of the murder and any role in her demise.
The investigation, which led to Burke’s arrest on April 16, 2026, began when Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found in a Tesla linked to Burke. The vehicle had been impounded in a Hollywood tow yard since September 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that her death was a homicide caused by multiple penetrating injuries.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman alleges that Burke murdered Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 to silence her about his alleged criminal activities, including repeated illicit encounters with her. The murder charge’s special circumstances cite financial gain and eliminating a potential witness. If convicted, Burke faces life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
The prosecution has initiated the process of sharing investigative findings with Burke’s defense, which claims it has yet to receive crucial discovery materials. A preliminary hearing is expected on May 1, following an April 29 status conference.
Patrick Steinfeld, representing the Rivas Hernandez family, expressed their devastation over the medical examiner’s findings and requested privacy as they continue to cope with the unfolding details.
