The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has urged that David Anthony Burke, the singer known as D4vd, face the death penalty after being charged with her murder. Burke, 21, was ordered to stand trial in July in connection with the killing. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilating a body.

Celeste’s dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla, which had been towed from a street near his Los Angeles residence. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Celeste multiple times at his home after she arrived there on April 23, 2025. The authorities suspect the killing was an attempt to prevent her from revealing a sexual relationship that began in November 2023, when Celeste was 13 and Burke 18, below the legal age of consent.

In a statement released on what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday, her family called for Burke to be executed. They described him as “devoid of feelings and emptiness inside,” holding him responsible for inflicting pain on their daughter, their family, and the wider community supporting Celeste. The family also expressed that they continue to relive memories of her and experience a range of emotions despite her absence.

During a July preliminary hearing, prosecutors outlined the history of abuse, starting when Burke allegedly met Celeste at age 11. Evidence presented included photographs showing the two embracing and lying in bed, and one image revealed a red tattoo of “David” on a finger of Celeste’s hand—one of two fingers that had been severed when her body was found. The prosecution also introduced communications suggesting that Celeste became pregnant and confirmed that Burke was the father, later terminating the pregnancy.

Burke’s defense team has argued that no proof exists that he intended to kill Celeste. They highlight the lack of witnesses or surveillance footage placing her at his home during the alleged time of the murder. However, Burke’s defense has faced challenges, including the departure of his high-profile attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter in late August for undisclosed reasons. He is currently represented by a public defender from Los Angeles County.

Burke remains in custody without bail, and a trial date has not yet been scheduled. The case continues to attract significant public attention due to its tragic circumstances and the involvement of a rising music artist.