Prosecutors say D4vd ties to the crime: will it stick

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed a detailed brief outlining the evidence they say connects singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The filing arrives ahead of a delayed preliminary hearing and centers on digital records, physical traces, and purchase histories rather than speculation. Readers searching for D4vd updates want to know how strong this evidence appears at this stage.

Timeline of charges and filings

Authorities charged D4vd in April 2026 with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of a body. The victim’s remains were found in September 2025 inside the front trunk of his impounded Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard. She had been reported missing around April 2025.

Three grand juries reviewed portions of the case between November 2025 and February 2026. Prosecutors released their evidence summary in late April 2026, prompting the defense to request more time to examine more than 40 terabytes of material. The preliminary hearing is now expected sometime in the summer.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office cited special circumstances including murder for financial gain, lying in wait, and killing a witness. These allegations frame the prosecution’s narrative that D4vd acted to protect his rising music career.

Text messages and explicit images

Prosecutors point to text exchanges recovered from D4vd’s phone that reference sex, pregnancy, abortion, and the use of Plan B. They also recovered explicit photographs they say document a sexual relationship with the victim, some allegedly taken when she was 13.

The brief describes these images as corroborating an ongoing relationship that began before the victim turned 14. Investigators recovered the material from both the device itself and linked iCloud storage. The presence of such content forms a central pillar of the prosecution’s motive argument.

Defense attorneys have not yet responded in detail to the specific texts and photos. They have instead focused on obtaining full disclosure of all forensic reports before the next hearing.

Child sexual abuse material on devices

During an April 2026 hearing, prosecutors stated that a significant amount of child sexual abuse material was found on D4vd’s iPhone and iCloud account. The material reportedly includes images of the victim as well as other content involving minors.

Forensic examiners are still cataloging the full scope of the data. More than 40 terabytes of evidence across phones, tablets, and cloud accounts have been seized, creating a lengthy review process for both sides.

The CSAM allegations have drawn intense public attention because they directly address the age difference and the nature of the alleged relationship. They also supply prosecutors with evidence of intent and pattern beyond the homicide charge itself.

Surveillance and last known movements

Security footage reviewed by investigators shows D4vd as the last person seen driving the Tesla before it was impounded. Prosecutors say this places him in possession of the vehicle during the period when the body was allegedly placed inside the trunk.

The footage comes from multiple locations, including areas near his residence and the tow yard itself. Investigators have not released the exact dates or times publicly, citing ongoing analysis.

Defense counsel has requested the raw video files and any enhancement reports. They argue that context around the footage could support alternative explanations for the vehicle’s movements.

DNA evidence from the garage

Blood stains recovered from the garage of D4vd’s home yielded DNA that matches the victim, according to the prosecution filing. The samples were collected during a search warrant executed after the body was discovered.

Prosecutors describe the DNA as evidence that the victim was at the property and suffered injury there. They have not yet released the full lab reports or chain-of-custody documentation.

The defense has asked for independent testing and additional context about how the stains were located and preserved. They note that the presence of DNA alone does not establish cause or timing of death.

Physical fragments and dismemberment claims

Small blue plastic pieces found with the remains match material from an inflatable pool purchased by D4vd, prosecutors say. An LAPD expert confirmed the physical fit during laboratory analysis.

The filing alleges that the victim’s body was dismembered in the pool before being placed in multiple bags inside the car trunk. Medical examiner findings reportedly support this sequence, though the full autopsy report remains under seal.

Investigators also recovered what they describe as an amputated finger bearing a tattoo of D4vd’s name. They claim the removal was an attempt to eliminate identifying marks on the body.

Online purchases after the killing

Prosecutors cite records showing D4vd purchased two chainsaws, a body bag, and heavy-duty laundry bags in the weeks following the victim’s disappearance. The items were bought through online retailers and shipped to addresses linked to him.

These purchases are presented as evidence of planning and concealment. The timing aligns with the period when the body was allegedly kept in the vehicle for several months.

The defense has not commented directly on the purchase records. They have instead emphasized that the preliminary hearing will allow them to challenge the relevance and context of each item.

Defense response and case status

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility. His attorneys maintain that the evidence will ultimately show he did not commit the murder or cause the victim’s death.

They have requested public release of more discovery materials and additional time to review the massive digital cache. The next hearing date has not been finalized.

Both sides acknowledge that the volume of evidence requires careful examination before any trial can proceed. The defense has not yet offered an alternative theory of the crime in court filings.

Next steps in the proceedings

The prosecution’s evidence summary now sets the framework for the upcoming preliminary hearing. That hearing will determine whether enough admissible evidence exists to proceed to trial on the murder and related charges.

Further forensic analysis of the digital devices and physical items is expected to continue through the summer. Both teams will likely file additional motions regarding the scope of discovery and the admissibility of specific exhibits.

Whatever the outcome of the preliminary hearing, the case will continue to draw attention because of the age of the victim, the public profile of the defendant, and the detailed nature of the evidence already released.