Prosecutors have alleged that D4vd’s phone contained a significant amount of child sexual abuse images. The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested earlier this week and charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Background of the Case
In September last year, the remains of the teenager were discovered in a Tesla registered to the musician. On Monday, Los Angeles County prosecutors formally charged the singer. During a press conference, LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman alleged that Burke had engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim.
Charges Filed
Burke has been charged with lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14 and mutilating a body in connection with Hernandez’s killing. Despite pleading not guilty during his initial court appearance, prosecutors have since leveled additional claims against him.
During a hearing on Thursday at a Los Angeles court, prosecutors claimed D4vd possessed a “significant amount” of child pornography on his phone, according to Rolling Stone. It remains unclear whether any of these images depict Hernandez.
Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors informed the court that they have a computer in the district attorney’s office to handle the sensitive evidence but cannot turn over the materials at this time. Appearing in court, where he was shackled to a chair and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, D4vd spoke only to confirm his approval for the judge handling his preliminary hearing alongside other cases.
“Yes, ma’am,” he uttered.
Autopsy Report Released
The court appearance came a day after the Los Angeles Medical Examiner released the autopsy report for Hernandez, which had been sealed for months during the investigation. The report lists the cause of death as “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)” and rules the manner of death a homicide.
The case continues to develop as prosecutors gather evidence and prepare for trial.
