Child porn found on R&B singer D4vd’s phone, says prosecutor in teen murder case
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Singer D4vd (centre) - whose real name is David Burke - during his arraignment for the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez in Los Angeles on April 20.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- R&B singer D4vd faces murder, child sexual abuse, and mutilation charges over the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- Prosecutors allege David Burke killed Hernandez to protect his career, with child pornography found on his mobile phone.
- Hernandez's badly decomposed body, found in Burke's Tesla, died from "multiple penetrating injuries" and had drugs/alcohol in her system.
AI generated
LOS ANGELES – R&B singer D4vd, who is facing murder charges over the death and dismemberment of a young teenager whose decomposing body was found in his car, had child porn on his mobile phone, a US prosecutor said on April 23.
The 21-year-old, whose real name is David Burke, faces a possible death penalty over the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who prosecutors say he murdered and hacked up, dumping her body in bags that he left to rot in his Tesla in Hollywood Hills.
The 14-year-old was believed to have been in a sexual relationship with the up-and-coming star.
Detectives say Burke killed her on April 23, 2025, to protect his burgeoning career when she threatened to expose that relationship.
Her badly decomposed corpse was found in the front trunk of his car at a tow yard in September, within days of what would have been her 15th birthday.
At a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, prosecutor Beth Silverman said a search of Burke’s iPhone had revealed “a significant amount of child pornography”.
She gave no details about the imagery, including whether it involved the dead girl.
The murder drew international interest, with some noting haunting parallels with Burke’s music career, which included a breakout hit called Romantic Homicide.
Amateur sleuths have also uncovered details that include appearances the pair made together on streaming platforms, and matching finger tattoos – with the letters “Shhh”.
Burke was on a nationwide tour when Celeste’s body was found, and he initially said he would continue playing gigs.
The seven-month investigation into her death culminated in his arrest a week ago.
An autopsy released on April 22 revealed she had died from “multiple penetrating injuries”.
It did not specify what caused the wounds.
Tests revealed the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol in her system.
The teen’s family said they were “absolutely devastated by the findings contained in the Medical Examiner’s Report involving the horrible and gruesome death of their beloved daughter”.
Her mother had reported her missing when she was 13.
A portrait of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is shown during a press briefing on the case against R&B singer D4vd in Los Angeles on April 20.
PHOTO: AFP
Burke, who appeared in court on April 23 in an orange jail-issue jumpsuit, has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The singer remains in jail. His case is next expected to be dealt with on April 29 when attorneys will negotiate a date for a preliminary hearing, the moment in which the court decides if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case. AFP
