The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of singer D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025, has publicly demanded the death penalty for the accused killer. The call came on what would have been her 16th birthday, as the case against David Anthony Burke, D4vd’s real name, advances toward trial.
A Los Angeles judge ordered Burke to stand trial on charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His defense team withdrew from the case earlier this month, leaving him to be represented by a public defender.
Celeste’s remains were discovered in a black cadaver bag in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla at a Los Angeles impound lot. The vehicle had been reported as abandoned near Burke’s Hollywood Hills home and impounded in September 2025. A decomposed head and torso were found in one bag, while additional dismembered body parts were recovered from a second bag, according to court documents.
Burke was arrested in April 2025 at a residence on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills. Prosecutors allege he began a relationship with Celeste when she was 14, though further details of their interactions have not been publicly disclosed.
Family Statement on Death Penalty Demand
In a statement released Monday via their attorney, Celeste’s parents described Burke as a person “devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience,” adding that the death penalty “would be perfect for this kind of human being.” They also expressed grief over reliving memories of their daughter, who they referred to affectionately as “Celestita.”
“These are feelings that only a father and mother and her siblings can share, with a heavy heart,” the statement read. “We will always remember every moment and every good time we spent with her.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Burke is scheduled to return to court next month for further proceedings. The case has drawn significant public attention, with prosecutors emphasizing the severity of the charges. The defense has not yet commented on the family’s death penalty demand, and Burke’s legal team has not provided additional statements regarding the allegations.
The investigation into Celeste’s death remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to review evidence and testimony ahead of the trial.