Singer D4vd Faces Charges in Connection with Teen’s Death

Los Angeles prosecutors allege that US singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, possessed a “substantial quantity” of images depicting child sex abuse on his phone and iCloud account at the time of his arrest. The arrest followed the discovery of a 14-year-old girl’s body in Burke’s Tesla, which was linked to the teen’s mysterious disappearance. Search warrants uncovered the explicit material during the investigation into the girl’s death, according to court statements made on Thursday.

Body Found in Dismembered State

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered in a black zipper bag within the front trunk of Burke’s vehicle in September 2025. The police found the decomposed body after a report of a foul smell from the towed car at a Hollywood facility. The investigation, which spanned several months, initially withheld key details about the girl’s fate and her potential ties to the TikTok star, sparking various online theories.

Burke, who gained prominence through viral TikTok tracks like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, was on tour when the car was examined. His global tour was suspended, and he withdrew from public life and social media. Last week, he was arrested, leading to seven criminal charges, including murder, ongoing sexual abuse of a child, and the mutilation of remains.

“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” said Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez. “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.”

Forensic Evidence and Legal Proceedings

Los Angeles County prosecutors revealed that digital and forensic evidence, including images of child sexual abuse, was recovered and analyzed. They stated the girl had been reported missing by her family and was last seen at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence on April 3, 2025. Her body was found five months later, showing signs of multiple penetrating injuries and heavy decomposition.

On Wednesday, the county’s medical examiner disclosed the cause of death, confirming it was homicide. The report, which was previously restricted from public access, detailed the injuries inflicted by an unidentified object or objects. Two court hearings are scheduled for the upcoming week to address the case further.

Legal Defense and Charges

Burke’s legal team has emphasized that no grand jury has returned an indictment in this matter, and no formal criminal complaint has been filed. They argue the singer was detained under suspicion rather than charged formally. The district attorney, Nathan Hochman, and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that evidence from three grand juries supported the charges, though an indictment was not yet issued.