PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) D4vd attends the Juun.J Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images)

Prosecutors said during a Thursday court hearing that investigators reviewing a phone tied to D4vd uncovered what they described as a “significant amount” of illegal material involving minors. Officials did not specify whether any of the files relate to Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in a Tesla registered to D4vd. The disclosure, delivered without extensive detail, added another layer to a case that has already drawn national attention. Authorities indicated that the forensic review is ongoing and may inform future proceedings. For now, the scope and relevance of the material remain unclear.

Inside the courtroom, the 21-year-old performer, born David Anthony Burke, appeared in custody wearing an orange jumpsuit before Charlaine F. Olmedo. D4vd responded quietly, including with “Yes ma’am,” as the judge outlined how the preliminary hearing will move forward. The exchange was brief and procedural, offering little beyond confirmation of the next legal steps. Observers described a restrained atmosphere, with no substantive arguments presented. The focus remained on scheduling and formalities rather than evidence.

D4vd was taken into custody on April 16, months after the discovery of Rivas’ dismembered remains in the front trunk of a vehicle linked to him. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, lewd acts involving a minor under 14, and mutilation of a body. He is being held without bail at Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail and has reportedly been placed in segregation. Prosecutors allege he “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.” An autopsy later classified the death as a homicide, citing “penetrating wounds of the torso with smooth edges that may represent sharp force injuries.”

Search for Justice Intensifies as New Details Emerge in Rivas Case

Investigators say Rivas was last seen on April 23, 2025, after visiting a Hollywood Hills rental property associated with the artist. At the time her remains were identified months later, D4vd had been touring in support of his album Withered and briefly continued performing before canceling the remaining dates. A planned deluxe edition of the project was also set aside. If convicted, he faces either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet said whether capital punishment will be pursued.

In a statement released April 21, Rivas’ family spoke publicly for the first time since her death, expressing both grief and gratitude to investigators. “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” they said. “We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”