Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez demands the death penalty for accused singer D4vd.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces murder charges after the body of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to him on 8 September 2025. The singer has pleaded not guilty.
Although California has a temporary ban on capital punishment, Hernandez’s parents said an execution would be "perfect" if he is convicted.
In addition to the criminal case, the family filed a civil lawsuit against Burke seeking monetary damages for burial and funeral costs.
The suit, presented to Los Angeles Superior Court, also names Burke’s companies, his mother and a live‑in security guard, alleging they enabled the singer to isolate and harm the teenager.
Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, Celeste’s parents, claim Burke sexually abused their daughter, falsely imprisoned her, and caused her wrongful death. They note that the singer first met Celeste in November 2023 when she was 13, and the relationship reportedly involved almost 10,000 text messages and multiple sexual encounters over 16 months.
The parents argue that Burke exploited his adult authority over a minor and exerted undue influence, driving the alleged murder in the Hollywood Hills home after Celeste threatened to expose their relationship.
On a Monday that would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday, the family publicly demanded that the death penalty be applied, describing Burke as devoid of conscience and as causing pain to their daughter, family and society.
Burke has again pleaded not guilty and has since discarded his celebrity defence attorney, now represented by a public defender. A trial is scheduled for 19 October, with the case moved to next year.
Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel pledged a thorough defence, emphasizing Burke’s right to a case‑specific legal examination.
