Family of Slain 14-Year-Old Urges Death Penalty in Murder Case Against Musician D4vd

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were discovered last year, has called on prosecutors to seek capital punishment against recording artist D4vd should he be convicted of her murder.

The musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, stands accused in criminal court of killing the teenager. Hernandez’s remains were recovered on September 8, 2025, after investigators located her dismembered body inside the trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered directly to Burke’s residential address. Burke has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.

The demand from Hernandez’s family came in an emotional public statement released through their attorney on what would have been the teenager’s 16th birthday. Describing the profound grief of losing their child, the family expressed strong support for the ultimate penalty, characterizing Burke as devoid of conscience and feelings, and stating that execution would be the appropriate punishment for the immense pain inflicted upon them and those who supported their daughter.

Although the state of California currently maintains a temporary moratorium on carrying out capital punishment, the possibility of pursuing a death sentence remains a focal point in the proceedings. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman previously confirmed that his office was assessing whether the circumstances of the case warranted seeking the death penalty.

Alongside the high-profile criminal proceedings, Hernandez’s parents, Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, initiated a comprehensive civil lawsuit against Burke in Los Angeles Superior Court. The civil complaint seeks monetary compensation to cover burial, funeral, and related expenses resulting from the loss of their daughter.

The civil filing mirrors the core assertions presented by prosecutors in the criminal trial, formally accusing Burke of wrongful death, false imprisonment, and the childhood sexual assault of a minor. The documents assert that Burke, operating as an adult, held a position of clear authority and influence over Hernandez, using that power dynamic to exert undue control over her.

According to court filings, the contact between Burke and the young teenager began in November 2023, when Hernandez was just 13 years old. Over the following 16 months, the relationship allegedly escalated into extensive contact involving nearly 10,000 exchanged text messages and repeated instances of sexual abuse.

The lawsuit alleges that the fatal confrontation occurred at Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills after tensions escalated over the potential exposure of their illicit relationship. The parents claim Burke killed the teenager after she threatened to make their relationship public.

Court documents highlight communications between the pair prior to her death, including an alleged text message sent by the teenager warning the musician that she would end both his career and his life before she was killed.

Beyond Burke himself, the parents’ civil lawsuit targets a broader circle of associates and entities. The legal action names several of Burke’s associated companies, his management personnel, his mother, and a live-in security guard, alleging that they collectively enabled Burke’s actions.

The lawsuit claims these individuals and organizations assisted in isolating Hernandez from protective support systems by facilitating logistics, housing, transportation, and security measures on Burke's behalf. However, Burke’s management company, Mogul Vision, along with his finance manager, have previously issued denials stating they had no knowledge of Hernandez or her involvement with the musician.

The criminal case against Burke progressed significantly in July when a judge determined there was sufficient probable cause for the singer to stand trial on the murder charge. The evidentiary findings paved the way for formal proceedings to continue in the Los Angeles court system.

Burke’s defense structure recently underwent significant changes after he parted ways with his private celebrity defense representation. The defendant entered a renewed plea of not guilty last week and is now represented by the Los Angeles County public defender's office.

Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel affirmed the legal team’s commitment to Burke’s constitutional defense, stating that his client is entitled to representation that rigorously examines the evidence and treats his circumstances with seriousness. The public defender's office did not immediately issue a formal response regarding the newly filed civil lawsuit.

Burke is scheduled to make his next appearance in court on October 19, with the criminal trial officially postponed to next year as both sides prepare their respective cases.