The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has filed a civil lawsuit against the singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, alleging wrongful death and other serious charges. The lawsuit, which has been accepted and stamped by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, includes claims of fatal stabbing, sexual battery, childhood assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and human trafficking, among others.
The family is seeking unspecified damages for Rivas Hernandez's death, her alleged abuse, and the emotional distress suffered by her parents. They are also seeking punitive damages to be determined at trial.
Named in the lawsuit are not only the singer but also his family members and business associates. This includes the head of his music-management enterprise, who also served as his personal manager; his "day-to-day" manager who resided at his Hollywood Hills home; and a live-in security guard. The singer's mother, Colleen Burke, who allegedly served as her son's personal finance director, is also named. D4vd's principal recording and entertainment company, as well as his music-publishing company, are also included in the legal action.
Attempts to reach the named businesses and individuals for comment were unsuccessful. An attorney representing David Burke and his mother did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rivas Hernandez's remains were discovered in September 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd at an impound lot in Hollywood. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body as belonging to Rivas Hernandez.
In April, D4vd was arrested and charged in criminal court with the murder of Rivas Hernandez following a months-long investigation. He is currently represented by a public defender.
Prosecutors allege that D4vd and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023 when he was 18 and she was 13. They claim the singer killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his career. According to prosecutors, on April 23, 2025, D4vd allegedly arranged for Rivas Hernandez to be brought to his Hollywood Hills home via Uber, shortly before tickets for his world tour were set to go on sale. This was reportedly the last time she was seen alive.
Prosecutors further allege that the singer then carried out a series of "ghoulish" actions to dismember her body. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The lawsuit comes days after what would have been Rivas Hernandez's 16th birthday. A vigil was held on Sept. 7 to honor her memory.