The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has called for the death penalty for singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, on the eve of what would have been the teenager's 16th birthday. Celeste's body was found decomposing in a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025.
"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," the Rivas Hernandez family stated in an exclusive message to the California Post. The family added that the decision rests with God and the California justice system.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is currently reviewing whether to pursue the death penalty or life imprisonment for Burke, who is accused of murdering and dismembering Hernandez. His trial is scheduled for later this year.
Celeste would have turned 16 on Monday, and Tuesday marks one year since her body was discovered. Her family was present during preliminary hearings, reportedly viewing graphic images of her remains displayed in court. "Her family ignored their attorney’s request to look away as the pictures were displayed in a Los Angeles courtroom during the first day of the singer’s preliminary hearing last month," the Post reported. The couple were later seen crying in the courthouse hall after viewing their daughter’s dismembered body parts.
According to prosecutors, Burke is accused of ordering an Uber to bring Rivas from her home in Lake Elsinore to his Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025, after they had reportedly been dating for months and she became pregnant. He allegedly then stabbed her and allowed her to bleed out before loading her body into his Tesla and driving to Santa Barbara.
Investigators testified that Burke allegedly purchased a shovel from Home Depot via Postmates delivery and, about a week later, ordered two chainsaws from Amazon. Court documents indicate he also ordered a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, and an inflatable pool on May 5. Prosecutors claim Hernandez was dismembered with a chainsaw in the pool, with remnants found on her remains during the autopsy.
Hochman recently reversed a policy that forbade prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. The new policy allows for the pursuit of capital punishment only after extensive review and in exceedingly rare cases. He also stated that victims' families would be consulted and have full input in such decisions.
Hochman said he was awaiting a mitigation packet from Burke’s former legal team, outlining reasons why he should not face the death penalty, but had not yet received it. He indicated he would allow Burke's new public defender time to submit a packet if they choose.