Seeking Justice: The Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez Calls for Death Penalty in D4vd Murder Case
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, is urging that the defendant, singer D4vd, face the death penalty for her murder. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the girl's death. Celeste's dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of Burke's Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025, leading to his arrest.
The Rivas Hernandez family expressed their desire for justice on what would have been Celeste's 16th birthday, emphasizing the pain and loss caused by the tragic incident. They believe that the death penalty would be fitting for someone who showed no remorse and inflicted such suffering on their daughter and family. However, the decision on seeking the death penalty lies with the California justice system.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet determined whether to pursue the death penalty in Burke's case. Despite California still having the death penalty as a legal option, the state has not carried out an execution since 2006 due to a moratorium imposed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019. Burke faces charges of capital murder, including special circumstances, and remains in custody without bail.
In addition to the murder charges, Burke is accused of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that he killed Celeste to prevent her from revealing their illicit relationship, which could have jeopardized his music career. Burke is now being represented by a public defender after his previous attorneys withdrew from the case.
The Rivas Hernandez family continues to seek justice for Celeste and hopes that the legal system will hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. The tragic loss of their daughter has left a lasting impact on their lives, and they are determined to see that the perpetrator faces the consequences of their heinous crime.