Prosecutors Cite Digital Evidence as Murder Case Against D4vd Moves Toward Preliminary Hearing
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom this week as prosecutors outlined new details in the case against him, including allegations tied to digital evidence recovered during the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
During the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the court that investigators obtained access to Burke’s iCloud account and alleged it contained “a significant amount of child pornography.” The statement marked one of the most serious claims introduced publicly since Burke was arrested and formally charged earlier this month.
Despite the disclosure, Burke’s legal team indicated they intend to move forward quickly with the case. Defense attorneys reiterated their request for a prompt preliminary hearing, a proceeding that will allow a judge to review evidence and determine whether there is sufficient cause for the case to proceed to trial. The court scheduled a follow-up hearing for April 29 to address evidence production, while the preliminary hearing is set to begin May 1.
Burke, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla linked to the singer. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Additional counts include allegations involving sexual acts with a minor and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors have also filed special circumstance allegations, including claims related to lying in wait and financial gain.
In court, Silverman also revealed that investigators utilized a wiretap during the probe and convened three separate grand juries between November and February. She clarified that those proceedings were used to gather evidence rather than to secure an indictment.
New details about the victim’s death were also made public this week following the release of an autopsy report by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The report concluded that Rivas Hernandez died from “multiple penetrating injuries” to the upper body, including stab wounds that affected vital organs. The manner of death was classified as homicide.
The report further described the condition of the remains at the time of discovery, noting advanced decomposition. According to the findings, the victim’s body had been dismembered, with some portions partially skeletonized. Investigators documented additional forensic evidence, including materials recovered from the bags in which the remains were found.
Toxicology results included a low level of ethanol and preliminary positive findings for several substances, though officials indicated those results require further confirmation and did not appear to be a direct cause of death.
The release of the autopsy report followed a prior court order that had temporarily restricted its disclosure, a decision that drew criticism from the medical examiner’s office over concerns about transparency. In a statement, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo acknowledged the delay and expressed concern over the length of time the victim’s family had to wait for answers.
Prosecutors allege that Rivas Hernandez was last seen entering Burke’s residence in April 2025 and was killed that same day. They further contend that the dismemberment of her body occurred in early May.
Burke’s attorneys have strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that their client was not responsible for the victim’s death. In a statement, his legal team said the evidence will ultimately demonstrate his innocence.
