Family of murdered teen urges death penalty for singer D4vd after trial ordered

A Los Angeles judge has ordered singer David Anthony Burke, known online as D4vd, to stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of his Tesla last year. The teen’s parents issued a statement on what would have been her 16th birthday, demanding that the death penalty be applied. > "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 parents said. The family also expressed ongoing grief, noting they were “experiencing so many emotions” and recalling moments with their daughter. Burke, 21, was arrested in April and has pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he began a relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13, that she became pregnant and later had an abortion, and that he ended the relationship after she threatened to expose him. Burke was previously represented by private counsel but switched to public defenders last month. Rivas Hernandez’s attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, argued that the defendant should not qualify for a public defender, stating that “the residents of Los Angeles County should be outraged because it will be the taxpayers that are picking up the tab to defend this millionaire.”