A "significant amount" of child pornography was discovered on a phone belonging to singer D4vd, prosecutors said during a hearing on Thursday.
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D4vd case: Singer's phone contained 'significant amount' of child pornography, prosecutors say
A "significant amount" of child pornography was discovered on a phone belonging to singer D4vd, who's accused of murdering a teen girl, prosecutors said during a hearing on Thursday.
The hearing was a procedural check-in as prosecutors and defense attorneys determine next steps in the case involving the death of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Thursday also marks one year since she was last known to be alive.
Although a preliminary hearing appeared on Thursday's court calendar, it didn't go forward. Instead, the matter was handled as a status conference - referred to as a "3 of 10" - that sets the stage for upcoming proceedings, including the exchange of evidence.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court in handcuffs wearing an orange jail jumpsuit. He was then unshackled by a deputy.
His preliminary hearing was set for Friday, May 1. That's when evidence and testimony will be presented to show a judge that there is enough evidence to move to trial. That hearing could still be delayed next week if either side says they're not ready or that enough discovery has not been handed over to the defense.
On Thursday, prosecutors revealed there were three investigative grand juries that looked at the case: one in November, one in December and one in February. They were investigative grand juries to help compel testimony and not to gain indictments.
Much of the hearing was discussion about setting dates and the large amount of evidence the Los Angeles Police Department and the district attorney's office needs to give to the defense.
Prosecutors have said they have more than 40 terabytes of discovery to turn over, a volume they say could slow the case's progress.
The court will reconvene on Wednesday, April 29, to check in on that progress and if a preliminary hearing can actually occur on May 1.
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