The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez is calling for the death penalty against singer D4vd following his murder charges in connection with the girl’s death. The statement was released Monday on what would have been Celeste’s birthday.
D4vd whose legal name is David Burke faces first-degree murder charges along with continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty on August 31 following a five-day preliminary hearing in July where prosecutors presented extensive evidence.
The family said in their statement that the death penalty “would be perfect for this kind of human being devoid of feelings and emptiness inside and without conscience who only caused pain to our daughter our family and the world.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that if convicted Burke could face either life in prison without parole or the death penalty with a final decision to come at a later stage in proceedings.
Celeste’s decomposed remains were discovered on September 8 2025 inside the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle had been impounded after neighbors reported it abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for more than a month.
The medical examiner determined Celeste died from multiple penetrating injuries consistent with stabbing. Authorities believe her death occurred in the spring of 2024 and she had last been seen on April 5 2024 in Lake Elsinore in Riverside County.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste partly to protect his music career. Text messages presented during the preliminary hearing showed Celeste threatening to expose their alleged sexual relationship the night prosecutors believe she was murdered.
Special circumstances allegations against Burke include murder for financial gain and killing a witness. Those allegations make him eligible for the harshest possible penalties under California law.
Burke was assigned a public defender after his previous attorney Blair Berk withdrew from the case. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel said his office is committed to providing Burke a thorough defense while acknowledging the grief surrounding the case.
Celeste’s family also expressed heartbreak over Burke receiving a public defender calling the appointment “unfathomable.” They said they continue to relive memories of their daughter with heavy hearts.
D4vd rose to fame through viral TikTok videos and was signed to Interscope Records. He had been on a world tour promoting his debut album when his Tesla was impounded and Celeste’s remains were discovered. A status conference in the case is scheduled for October 19 with trial expected within 90 days of that date.
