The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has publicly demanded the death penalty for singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, who is awaiting trial for her murder. Prosecutors allege Burke killed the teen in April 2025 to protect his music career, hiding her dismembered remains in a Tesla trunk.
What began as a missing persons investigation in the spring of 2025 has expanded into a high-stakes murder case in Los Angeles County. Celeste Rivas Hernandez was just 14 years old when authorities allege her life was cut short. Her decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of a Tesla parked near the Hollywood Hills, where neighbors reported it had sat abandoned for more than a month.
The musician accused of the crime, 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, faces charges that include first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence as the case moves toward trial.
A Mother and Father’s Birthday Plea for Justice
On Monday, what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday, her family released a public statement through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld. Gathering at her gravesite in Los Angeles with flowers, balloons, and toys, the family reflected on a year of profound grief while explicitly calling for the ultimate punishment under the law.
“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 family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, via statement released through attorney
While voicing their desire for capital punishment, the family acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests outside their hands. As the statement noted, that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s, and the California justice system
.
Weighing Capital Punishment Under California’s Moratorium
The question of whether prosecutors will pursue the death penalty now rests with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney RJ Dreiling noted that the case fits the exact parameters of what Hochman indicated he would consider during his campaign.
The legal landscape surrounding capital punishment in California remains complex. Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in 2019 establishing a moratorium on executions, and the state’s last execution took place two decades ago. However, legal analysts point out that the moratorium could theoretically be lifted by any sitting governor, keeping the prospect of capital sentencing a viable legal mechanism in uniquely egregious matters.
Motive and Prosecution Arguments from the Preliminary Hearing
During a preliminary hearing in July overseen by a judge who found sufficient probable cause for trial, prosecutors laid out a disturbing timeline of events. Investigators testified that Burke met Celeste when she was 11 years old and began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18.
According to court documents and evidence presented by the state, the relationship turned fatal after Celeste threatened to expose their history just days before the release of Burke’s debut music project. On the night prior to her death, prosecutors displayed a text message sent by the teenager stating, i will end ur career and ur life
. Investigators assert that Burke sent an Uber to bring her to his home, where she was stabbed to death.
Because the state argues the murder was committed to prevent the victim from exposing the relationship and damaging the singer’s financial and professional standing, prosecutors included special circumstance allegations.
Defense Shake-Up and Public Defender Appointment Spark Outrage
The legal proceedings experienced a dramatic shift when Burke’s high-profile defense team—comprising Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—withdrew from the case, stating in court that they could no longer represent the artist. Following their departure, the court determined Burke qualified for court-appointed counsel, assigning Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel to take over the defense.
The appointment of a public defender drew immediate condemnation from Celeste’s family and their legal representation.
Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel addressed the transition by emphasizing the gravity of the proceedings and the constitutional right to counsel.
“We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense.”
Walid Kandeel, Deputy Public Defender
Burke remains held without bail as the case moves forward. He is due back in court on October 19, with trial proceedings expected to follow next year.
