Published April 24, 2026
Disturbing new details have emerged in the case against D4vd for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
During a preliminary court hearing on April 23, prosecutors alleged that investigators found “a significant amount of child pornography” on the 21-year-old’s phone. Prosecutors claim they have roughly 40 terabytes of evidence against the suspect.
Following his arrest on April 16, D4vd — born David Anthony Burke — has been charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty and remains behind bars without bail as the case moves forward.
The hearing marked one year since prosecutors allege Burke killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. It was not until four months later on September 8, 2025 that her decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of D4vd’s abandoned Tesla.
Her autopsy findings, unsealed only after Burke’s arrest, determined she died from “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s),” and ruled her death a homicide.
Authorities claim the teen was a potential witness in a separate investigation into alleged sexual abuse involving Burke and had threatened to expose him. Prosecutors believe that may have been Burke’s motive.
If convicted, Burke faces either life in prison or a death sentence, something the prosecutors are contemplating.