The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has called for singer D4vd to face the death penalty if he is convicted of killing the 14-year-old, whose dismembered remains were found in the front trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles.
The statement from the teenager’s parents was issued on Monday, what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday. They said capital punishment would be “perfect” for the person responsible for causing pain to their daughter and family.
“If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for this kind of human being, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience, who only caused pain to our daughter, our family, and the world that supports our precious daughter,” they said through their lawyer.
In a separate statement, the family said they were experiencing “so many emotions” and reliving memories of Celeste despite her death.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was ordered to stand trial by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in July. Prosecutors have charged the 21-year-old with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The murder charge includes special-circumstance allegations that Celeste was killed as a potential witness, for financial gain and while Burke was lying in wait. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Burke could face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted, although a final decision on whether to seek capital punishment has not been made. ([lacounty.gov](https://lacounty.gov/2026/07/27/d4vd-ordered-to-stand-trial-for-murdering-dismembering-14-year-old-girl/))
Burke pleaded not guilty at a hearing on August 31, after his private legal team withdrew from the case. He is now being represented by public defenders, while prosecutors continue to prepare the case for trial. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/d4vd-arraignment-celeste-rivas-hernandez/))
Celeste’s remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, at a Hollywood tow yard after Burke’s Tesla had been reported abandoned and impounded. Police initially said the vehicle had been left at the location for several weeks and that the teenager may have been dead for some time before her body was found. ([lapdonline.org](https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/robbery-homicide-division-investigation-into-the-death-of-celeste-rivas-hernandez-nr25193ma/))
At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors alleged that Burke had been in a relationship with Celeste from when she was 13 and that she had threatened to expose him. Text messages presented in court indicated that she had become pregnant by him and later had an abortion.
Prosecutors also alleged that Burke invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, where she was never seen again. The district attorney’s office said investigators found evidence including blood matching the teenager’s DNA in the garage and online orders for a shovel, chainsaws, a body bag and an inflatable pool in the days after her disappearance. ([lacounty.gov](https://lacounty.gov/2026/07/27/d4vd-ordered-to-stand-trial-for-murdering-dismembering-14-year-old-girl/))
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office was still considering whether to pursue the death penalty. A further court hearing is scheduled for October 19, with a trial potentially beginning within 90 days of that hearing. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/d4vd-arraignment-celeste-rivas-hernandez/))
Burke’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
