Celeste Rivas's family gathered on Monday to commemorate what would have been her 16th birthday, a poignant occasion marked by grief and a renewed call for the death penalty for the musician D4VD, who is accused of her murder. The 14-year-old Rivas was found dismembered one year ago, and a medical examiner later determined she was killed in April 2025.
In a statement shared with TMZ through their attorney Patrick Steinfeld, Rivas's family expressed a complex mix of emotions. "Today we are experiencing so many emotions," the statement read, adding that they were honoring Rivas by praying, singing "Happy Birthday," and sharing memories. The family described their feelings as "feelings only a mother, father, and siblings can truly understand," and stated they would "always remember every moment and every good time" they shared with "Celestita."
Flowers, balloons, and toys were placed at Rivas's grave in Los Angeles to mark the milestone birthday. The family has previously voiced their support for the death penalty for D4VD, whose real name is David Burke. In a statement to the New York Post, they said, "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 acknowledged that the decision rests with "God, and the California justice system."
The Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman will ultimately decide whether to pursue the death penalty. D4VD has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, child sex abuse, and mutilation in connection with Rivas's death.
Last week, D4VD's defense attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, withdrew from the case. In a statement to TMZ, they explained that the court granted their request to withdraw and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office to represent Burke, who qualified for appointed counsel. The former attorneys stated, "We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges." They expressed gratitude that the Public Defender's Office had taken over, noting they had "a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him."
Walid Kandeel, a deputy public defender for LA County, commented to the LA Times, "We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense."
Police reports indicate that the vehicle where Rivas's remains were found in a tow yard was registered to D4VD's address in Texas. The musician was named a suspect in November 2025 and arrested in April 2026. D4VD was pictured in March 2025.
Rivas's father, Jesus, and attorney Patrick Steinfeld were pictured together in March.
A memorial was pictured outside of Rivas's Lake Elsinore home in April 2026.
Celeste Rivas's family remembered her on what would have been her 16th birthday on Monday.
Rivas's family told TMZ in a statement shared through attorney Patrick Steinfeld on September 7, "Today we are experiencing so many emotions."
