**Rapper D4vd Faces Murder Charges as Family Demands Death Penalty for Alleged Killer**
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The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is advocating for the death penalty for rapper D4vd, who has been charged with the teenager’s murder. This statement was issued just a day before what would have been Rivas’ 16th birthday, marking a poignant moment for her loved ones as they grapple with their loss.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing Celeste after she allegedly threatened to expose their illegal relationship, which began when she was merely 13 years old. The circumstances surrounding Rivas’ death are distressing, with her decomposed remains discovered in the trunk of a Tesla owned by Burke, found in an impound lot in Los Angeles on September 8, 2025. This tragic finding led to Burke’s arrest in April 2026 and the subsequent charges of first-degree murder, alongside additional accusations of sexually inappropriate conduct with a minor and the mutilation of human remains.
In their statement released on September 6, the Rivas family expressed their sentiments regarding Burke’s actions, labelling him as “devoid of feelings” and devoid of conscience. They conveyed their belief that, should he be convicted, the death penalty would be an appropriate consequence for his alleged actions. “If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for this kind of human being,” they stated. However, they remarked that the final decision rests not with them, but with the legal system and divine authority.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that he has not yet made a decision regarding the potential for the death penalty in this case. The complexity surrounding the charges is compounded by the allegations that Burke engaged in a relationship with Rivas while she was still a minor, having communicated with her from 2022 when she was just 11 years old.
The case has drawn significant media attention, not only due to the serious nature of the allegations but because of the age of the victim and the background of the accused. D4vd’s preliminary hearing concluded in late July, with a judge ruling that sufficient evidence had been presented for the case to move to trial. This decision brought a modicum of relief to Rivas’ family, according to their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, who noted, “The family’s relieved that it’s done with.”
Burke faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder with special circumstances that include lying in wait and committing the crime for financial gain. Furthermore, prosecutors have alleged that the murder occurred as he was attempting to avoid the repercussions of his alleged sexual relationship with Rivas, which directly contradicts her young age.
The official trial date has yet to be announced, leaving many questions unanswered and the family seeking justice for their loss. The case underscores the challenges faced in instances of crimes involving minors and the implications of such relationships. As they await progress in the legal proceedings, the Rivas family continues to advocate for justice, reflecting the deep pain caused by their daughter’s untimely death.
As more details unfold and the community rallies in support of the family, the outcome of D4vd’s trial will undoubtedly have significant repercussions, both legally and socially, surrounding the critical issues of consent and the protection of minors from exploitation. As public interest in this case remains high, it highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about safeguarding children and addressing serious allegations of this nature in society.
For now, the Rivas family must navigate their grief while seeking the justice they feel their daughter deserves, leaving many to ponder the broader implications of this tragic incident within the realms of law and moral responsibility.