Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family Demands Justice as Singer D4vd Is Charged With Her Murder

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has spoken out following the arraignment of singer D4vd on charges of her murder. On September 8, 2025, decomposed remains of 14-year-old Hernandez were found in a Tesla vehicle registered to David, 21, in Los Angeles.

The accused, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested last week. On April 20, he was charged with first-degree murder, s--ual abuse of a minor under 14, and mutilating a body. Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A day after charges were announced against Burke, Hernandez’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, released a statement through their attorney. They thanked law enforcement agencies for their investigation and the local community for its support.

“We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their hard work. We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support,” the parents stated.

Rivas and Martinez then fondly remembered their daughter, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and reflected on the time they spent together. “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday was movie night, and we spent wonderful times together,” they said.

The parents concluded their statement by saying they want justice for their daughter. “We love her very much, and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste,” they added.

David Burke’s parents also responded to his arraignment with a statement released through their attorney. “The Burkes are not surprised but are terribly disappointed that the District Attorney chose to charge David. Nevertheless, they support and stand by him one hundred percent,” the family said.

According to prosecutors, Burke, known for songs such as Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, was in a sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez despite her being a minor. The two reportedly connected online and had been in contact since 2022. In the years leading up to her death, Hernandez ran away from her home several times and last contacted her family in May 2024.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez lived with David Burke at his home in the Hollywood Hills for a period. Prosecutors said the relationship later deteriorated when Hernandez threatened to publicly expose it. According to prosecutors, this prompted Burke to kill her because he feared damage to his image and music career.

Surveillance footage showed Hernandez was last seen alive in January 2025. Prosecutors allege that Burke called her to his home and killed her on April 23, 2025. Her remains were found months later when a tow yard worker noticed a foul smell coming from a Tesla vehicle.

The vehicle appeared to have been abandoned after being towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood. The Los Angeles Police Department searched the vehicle and discovered Hernandez’s partially dismembered body in the front trunk. Burke is currently being held without bail. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.