The parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez are lobbying for the death penalty against singer D4vd, alleging a pattern of grooming, abuse, and cold-blooded murder.

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  • Singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
  • The victim's dismembered body was found in a Tesla registered to the singer's address in September 2025.
  • A civil lawsuit has been filed alleging wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault.
  • The defense has shifted from a celebrity attorney to a public defender ahead of next year's trial.

In a harrowing development in Los Angeles, the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has publicly called for the execution of singer D4vd (born David Anthony Burke). The demand follows the gruesome discovery of the 14-year-old's dismembered remains in the trunk of a Tesla vehicle linked to Burke's residence on September 8, 2025.

Beyond the criminal charges, the victim's parents, Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, have launched a civil lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of grooming, claiming that Burke and Hernandez began their relationship in November 2023 when the girl was only 13. The filing alleges that the pair exchanged nearly 10,000 text messages over 16 months, during which Burke exercised "undue influence and control" over the minor.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the scope of this case extends beyond the individual perpetrator. By naming Burke's management company, Mogul Vision, and his security staff in the civil suit, the family is challenging the 'enabling' ecosystem that surrounds high-profile artists, suggesting that professional circles may have facilitated the isolation of the victim.

The prosecution suggests a motive of silence. It is alleged that Burke killed the teenager at his Hollywood Hills residence after she threatened to expose their relationship, reportedly texting him, "I will end ur career and ur life." This suggests a desperate attempt to protect a public image at the cost of a human life.

"When the power imbalance between an adult in the public eye and a minor is this extreme, the legal system must look beyond the act of murder to the systemic grooming that preceded it."

While California currently maintains a temporary ban on the death penalty, the family's statement on what would have been Celeste's 16th birthday was uncompromising. They described Burke as a human being "devoid of feelings" and stated that execution would be the only "perfect" resolution for the pain inflicted upon their daughter.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal strategy has seen a significant shift recently, as he parted ways with his high-profile celebrity defense counsel and is now represented by public defender Walid Kandeel. The trial is scheduled to commence next year.

Did You Know?: A moratorium on the death penalty in California means that while the penalty remains on the books, the governor has halted executions, making the family's request a symbolic and political challenge to the current administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the specific charges against D4vd?
He faces criminal charges for murder, while the civil suit includes wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault.

2. When will the trial take place?
The trial has been moved to next year, with a court appearance scheduled for October 19.