Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez break silence after D4vd charged with her murder
The family of late 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has shared their first public statement since D4vd was charged with first-degree murder, after her body was uncovered in the trunk of his Tesla last september.
In a statement to ABC, the family began, “We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work. We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support.”
The family went on, “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together.”
They concluded, “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.”
Rivas’ family was present during D4vd’s court appearance on April 20th, when the 21-year-old musician was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances in the killing of Rivas.
Her family was expected to release a statement via their lawyer outside of the courtroom on the day, but the press conference was soon after cancelled.
At his first court appearance since the charges came to light, D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, did not speak at any point. Furthermore, his not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by his lawyers.
Burke also faces charges of sexual acts with a person under 14 and mutilating the remains of a body. Should he be convicted, he might face a sentence of life in prison, and is eligible for the death penalty.
However, Burke’s attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter said, “We will vigorously defend David’s innocence” after court documents obtained by Rolling Stone in February stated that the singer was the “target” of the police probe.
Rivas’ remains, described as “severely dismembered”, were discovered in a Tesla registered to Burke’s name on September 8th, 2025, with authorities discovering a bag containing severed arms and legs.
The young girl was reported missing from her home in California last year; she was last seen in April 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
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