Photo Credit:Bill Robles
Los Angeles prosecutors say a substantial amount of digital evidence, including alleged child sexual abuse material, will form a key part of their case against singer d4vd, who is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The 21-year-old artist has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
He was arrested on April 16 in connection with the death of the teenager, who was last seen alive in April 2025.
During a court proceeding, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated that Burke’s phone contained “a significant amount of child pornography,” discovered through search warrants executed on his device and iCloud account.
She also revealed that investigators had gathered “40 terabytes” of digital evidence, including forensic reports, police records, and video footage, which has slowed the process of sharing materials with the defense.
According to prosecutors, Hernandez was killed after she “threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career.” An autopsy report determined that her death was a homicide caused by “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s).” The report further detailed injuries to her chest and abdomen.
Burke’s defense team has maintained his innocence. Attorney Blair Berk ранее stated, “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.”
The defense has also raised concerns about delays in receiving evidence, saying they had initially received “almost no discovery.” The case has involved extensive investigative steps, including three grand jury hearings held between late 2025 and early 2026 to gather testimony. Prosecutors also disclosed that a wiretap operation had been conducted, though details about it remain limited.
In court, discussions focused largely on scheduling and the transfer of evidence. A preliminary hearing, where a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial, is currently set for May 1, though it could be delayed if either side is not ready.
Hernandez’s family described their grief in a statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated by the findings” and that the report had caused “profound emotional pain.” They have requested privacy as the case continues.
Burke remains in custody without bail as legal proceedings move forward.
He was arrested on April 16 in connection with the death of the teenager, who was last seen alive in April 2025.
During a court proceeding, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated that Burke’s phone contained “a significant amount of child pornography,” discovered through search warrants executed on his device and iCloud account.
She also revealed that investigators had gathered “40 terabytes” of digital evidence, including forensic reports, police records, and video footage, which has slowed the process of sharing materials with the defense.
According to prosecutors, Hernandez was killed after she “threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career.” An autopsy report determined that her death was a homicide caused by “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s).” The report further detailed injuries to her chest and abdomen.
Burke’s defense team has maintained his innocence. Attorney Blair Berk ранее stated, “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.”
The defense has also raised concerns about delays in receiving evidence, saying they had initially received “almost no discovery.” The case has involved extensive investigative steps, including three grand jury hearings held between late 2025 and early 2026 to gather testimony. Prosecutors also disclosed that a wiretap operation had been conducted, though details about it remain limited.
In court, discussions focused largely on scheduling and the transfer of evidence. A preliminary hearing, where a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial, is currently set for May 1, though it could be delayed if either side is not ready.
Hernandez’s family described their grief in a statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated by the findings” and that the report had caused “profound emotional pain.” They have requested privacy as the case continues.
Burke remains in custody without bail as legal proceedings move forward.
