US singer D4vd possessed a 'significant amount' of child sexual abuse imagery on his phone and iCloud account when he was arrested in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl, prosecutors revealed in court on Thursday.
The discovery came through search warrants as police investigated the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in the front trunk of the singer's Tesla in September 2025.
Prosecutors allege D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, repeatedly sexually abused the teen before killing and dismembering her to protect his lucrative music career. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges.
His attorneys have stated they 'will vigorously defend David's innocence' and believe the 'evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste.' The singer is not currently facing criminal charges related to the new allegations about child sexual abuse material.
Warning: This story contains distressing content and details of death.
Two court hearings are scheduled for next Wednesday and Friday.
Rivas Hernandez's body was found in a black zipper bag in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla after a foul odor was reported from the vehicle, which had been towed to a Hollywood impound lot. Police had been investigating for months, releasing few details to the public, which led to various online conspiracy theories.
D4vd, who rose to fame on TikTok with hits like 'Romantic Homicide' and 'Here With Me,' was on tour when the discovery was made. His worldwide tour was subsequently canceled, and he largely withdrew from public life.
Last week, Los Angeles police announced his arrest, and the district attorney filed seven criminal charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that they have recovered and analyzed 'a substantial amount of digital and forensic evidence' in the case.
Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing by her family and was last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 3, 2025. Her body was found decomposing five months later.
In their first public statement, the teen's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, said: 'Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is Justice for Celeste.'
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released the autopsy report, confirming the teen died by homicide from 'multiple penetrating injuries' caused by an undisclosed object or objects. The report noted her body had been dismembered and heavily decomposed.
According to CBS News, prosecutors told a Los Angeles County Superior Court that three grand juries have heard evidence in the investigation so far. No indictment has been handed down; instead, the singer was charged via a criminal complaint.
Burke's attorneys have pointed to this issue, stating: 'There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion.'