Prosecutor: Child porn found on R&B singer D4vd’s phone

R&B singer D4vd had child pornography on his mobile phone, a US prosecutor said on April 23, as he faces murder charges over the killing of a teenage girl, AFP reported.

The 21-year-old artist, whose real name is David Burke, could face the death penalty over the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege he killed her, dismembered the body, and placed the remains in bags that were left in his Tesla in the Hollywood Hills, where they decomposed.

Authorities believe the teenager had been in a sexual relationship with Burke. Detectives say he killed her on April 23, 2025, to protect his rising music career after she threatened to expose the relationship.

Her decomposing body was discovered in the front trunk of his car at a tow yard in September, just days before what would have been her 15th birthday.

At a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, prosecutor Beth Silverman said a search of Burke’s iPhone uncovered “a significant amount of child pornography.” She did not provide further details, including whether the material involved the victim.

The case has drawn international attention, with observers noting parallels with Burke’s music career, including his breakout track Romantic Homicide. Online users have also pointed to appearances the pair allegedly made together on streaming platforms and matching finger tattoos bearing the letters “Shhh.”

Burke was on a nationwide tour when the body was found and initially said he would continue performing. A seven-month investigation into the teenager’s death led to his arrest last week.

An autopsy released on April 22 found that the girl died from “multiple penetrating injuries,” though it did not specify the exact cause. Toxicology tests detected illegal drugs and alcohol in her system.

Her 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.

Burke appeared in court on April 23 wearing an orange jail-issued jumpsuit and has denied charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

He remains in custody. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29, when attorneys are expected to set a date for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed.

By Tamilla Hasanova