Family Demands Execution
Relatives of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 when she died, are urging authorities to impose the death penalty on D4vd, the singer whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, should he be found guilty of murdering her. The teenager's dismembered remains were discovered on 8 September 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke's address. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.[S1]
Although California currently has a temporary halt on executions, the family issued a statement on what would have been Hernandez's 16th birthday, saying that if the death penalty were reinstated, it would be fitting for someone they describe as devoid of feeling and conscience. The statement was released through their attorney.[S1]
Civil Lawsuit Filed
In a separate legal action, Hernandez's parents, Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, filed a civil lawsuit against Burke on Friday, seeking damages for burial and funeral costs. The suit alleges wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault. Court documents claim Burke and Hernandez met in November 2023 when she was 13, and over the next 16 months they exchanged nearly 10,000 texts and had sexual relations multiple times.[S1]
The parents claim that Burke, being an adult, had a position of authority over the minor and used undue influence and control. They also allege he killed her at his Hollywood Hills residence after she threatened to expose their relationship, reportedly sending a message that said: "I will end ur career and ur life". The lawsuit additionally names Burke's companies, managers, his mother, and a live-in security guard, accusing them of enabling Burke to isolate Hernandez.[S1]
Legal Proceedings Continue
In July, a judge ruled that there was probable cause for Burke to face trial on the murder charge. The district attorney has been deliberating whether to pursue the death penalty. Burke, who recently split with his celebrity defense attorney, is now represented by a public defender. He is scheduled to appear in court on 19 October, with the trial postponed to next year.[S1]
Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel stated that Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence, and that his office is committed to providing that defense. The public defender's office did not immediately comment on the civil lawsuit.[S1]
