The parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez have publicly advocated for capital punishment against D4vd, the stage name of David Anthony Burke, should he be found guilty of their daughter’s murder. Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered in a vehicle registered to Burke’s residence on 8 September 2025. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge.
While California maintains a temporary moratorium on executions, Rivas Hernandez’s family released a statement asserting that execution “would be perfect” were Burke to be convicted. The family’s statement was issued on what would have been the victim’s 16th birthday. Burke is currently scheduled to return to court on 19 October, with his trial set to begin in the following year. A judge previously determined sufficient probable cause existed to proceed with the murder charge.
In a parallel development, the victim’s parents, Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, filed a civil action in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking monetary compensation for expenses related to burial and funeral services. The lawsuit names Burke alongside several of his business entities, management representatives, his mother, and a member of his household security staff. The parents allege that Burke and their daughter first made contact in November 2023, when she was 13 years old, and claim that over the subsequent 16 months they engaged in numerous text communications and sexual contact.
The civil filing contends that Burke occupied a position of authority over the minor and exercised undue influence and control. According to the lawsuit, Burke allegedly killed the teenager at his Hollywood Hills residence after she purportedly threatened to expose their relationship. The parents further assert that various individuals associated with Burke facilitated his ability to isolate the victim. Burke’s management company and finance manager have previously denied knowledge of any relationship between Burke and the victim.
Burke has replaced his celebrity defense attorney with a public defender. The public defender’s office has stated its commitment to providing Burke with a comprehensive defense that carefully reviews all available evidence.
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