Abroad
US singer D4vd, 21, alleged to have child sexual abuse materials following arrest linked to death of girl, 14
A significant amount of child pornography was allegedly uncovered in his phone and iCloud account.
April 24, 2026, 06:17 PM
American alt-pop singer D4vd alleged possessed child sexual abuse materials.
This followed his arrest on Apr. 16 on suspicion of murdering a teenage girl, who was reported missing.
The 21-year-old singer, whose name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, AFP reported.
Sexual abuse
Prosecutors alleged that Burke had “a significant amount of child pornography” in his phone and iCloud account.
Burke was also accused of having repeatedly sexually abused the 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Investigators also alleged that Burke killed Rivas on Apr. 23, 2025, to protect his music career after she threatened to expose him.
No details, including whether it involved Rivas, were given.
Multiple penetrating injuries
According to Los Angeles County medical examiners, Rivas was found with two “penetrating wounds to the torso” and “dismemberment of the upper and lower extremities”, Reuters reported.
Illegal drugs and alcohol were also present in her system.
The autopsy examination of her remains was limited due to “extensive postmortem changes”, which included decomposition.
The time of death is unknown.
The cause of death was listed as "multiple penetrating injuries".
Burke will remain detained.
Two court hearings on the case are due to take place on Apr. 29 and May. 1.
Background
Rivas, who lived about 120km away from where her remains were found, was reported missing by her family in April 2024.
Her remains were discovered on Sep. 8, 2025, after workers reported a foul odour coming from an abandoned vehicle registered to Burke in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
Investigators found her decomposed head and torso in a bag in the front trunk of the vehicle.
Burke was on a nationwide tour at that time.
Photos from Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office & Riverside Sheriff Office
