Family of teen murder victim urges death penalty for accused rapper
The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez said they would support capital punishment for rapper D4vd if he is convicted of her murder, while prosecutors have not yet decided on a penalty.
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez said they would support the death penalty for rapper D4vd if he is convicted of her killing. The statement was released on Sept. 6, a day before the teen would have turned 16.
Rivas' remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla owned by the suspect in September 2025, and a judge ruled in July that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested in April 2026 and faces charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, as well as allegations of sexual abuse of a minor and mutilating human remains.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters on Aug. 31 that he has not yet decided whether the death penalty will be sought if the defendant is found guilty. The family’s attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said the family was relieved that the preliminary hearing concluded and expressed appreciation for the work of the district attorney’s office and LAPD investigators.
A trial date has not been set, and D4vd’s attorney has not responded to requests for comment.