Warning: This article contains details about a murder case and mentions of sensitive material involving a minor. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Singer D4vd, the 21-year-old musician known for the hit song “Romantic Homicide,” now faces shocking new allegations alongside first-degree murder charges. Los Angeles prosecutors stated in court on April 23, 2026, that investigators found a “significant amount” of child sexual abuse material on his iPhone.
The discovery came exactly one year after prosecutors believe Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, was killed. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, sat in court wearing an orange jail jumpsuit as these details became public.
Prosecutors Reveal Large Amount of Illegal Content on iCloud and Phone
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the judge during the preliminary hearing that a search of Burke’s digital accounts uncovered disturbing material. Silverman said investigators found the illegal content on both his iPhone and iCloud account.
The iCloud account holds around eight terabytes of data. Prosecutors have only reviewed one terabyte so far, and even that limited review revealed a large amount of child pornography. The total digital evidence in the case has reached about 40 terabytes, including body camera footage, forensic reports, and vehicle data.
Due to the very sensitive nature of this material, the files cannot be handed directly to the defense team. Instead, defense lawyers can examine them on secure computer systems at a justice facility.
Murder Charges Stem From Teenager’s Death
The child pornography discovery is part of a wider murder case against Burke. He was arrested on April 16, 2026, and has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors say Burke killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez because she threatened to expose their sexual relationship. They believe he wanted to protect his growing music career. The teenager’s remains were found in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The car had been towed from the Hollywood Hills to a police impound lot. Workers at the tow yard reported a bad smell coming from the vehicle, which led police to discover the body.
Autopsy Report Shows Cause of Death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office released an autopsy report on April 22, 2026, providing more information about how Celeste died. The report stated that the 14-year-old died from “multiple penetrating injuries.”
Her body had been dismembered. The report noted sharp force injuries to her chest and stomach area. Two of her fingers were also removed from her left hand. Due to severe decomposition of the body, the medical examiner could not determine the exact time of death.
A tattoo reading “Shhh….” was found on the inside of her right index finger. This matches a tattoo that D4vd has on his own finger.
Board Certified Forensic Pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee, who reviewed the report but is not involved with the case, said the injuries appear to have been caused by a knife. She added that Celeste was likely dismembered after she died.
Defense Team Maintains Singer’s Innocence
Burke’s legal team strongly denies all charges. His attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, released a statement saying:
“The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
During the court hearing, the defense asked for more time to review the evidence. They told the judge that prosecutors had given them “almost no discovery” related to the case. The judge postponed the preliminary hearing to allow both sides to prepare. Burke remains in custody without bail.
Additional Allegations Surface From Private Investigator
A missing persons private investigator named Steve Fischer told NewsNation that he has proof Burke was involved with another minor. Fischer said he has photographs showing the singer with another underage girl at his rental house. He claims these photos have been turned over to law enforcement. Fischer also mentioned that other people have reached out to him and are now willing to talk to authorities following Burke’s arrest.
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Next Court Dates
Burke is scheduled to appear in court again for a status hearing on April 29, 2026. His preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is set for May 1, 2026. Prosecutors have not yet said if they will seek the death penalty.
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez released a statement through their attorney, saying they are devastated by the findings in the medical examiner’s report. They asked for privacy as they process this painful information.
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