Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family have shared an emotional statement after singer D4vd was arrested and formally charged in connection with her death.
The musician was taken into custody last Thursday, and on Monday Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that D4vd — whose real name is David Burke — has been charged with first-degree murder. The announcement comes after the teen’s remains were found last September inside an abandoned vehicle registered to him.
Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her parents in 2024. She was 13 when she disappeared and is believed to have been 14 at the time of her death, according to AP News.
Prosecutors allege she visited Burke’s home on 23 April 2025 and was not seen again after that day.
After the charging decision was made public, Celeste’s parents, Jesus and Mercedes, released a statement through their attorney Patrick Steinfeld. “We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work,” they said.
“We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support. Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together.
“We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is Justice for Celeste.”
Steinfeld said the family was ‘devastated’ as more information about the case emerged.
Authorities were reportedly led to the abandoned Tesla after it was taken to a tow yard, where staff noticed a strong odor coming from the car. Investigators later found Rivas Hernandez’s body dismembered in the trunk.
Burke is now facing three counts tied to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez: first-degree murder, murder for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation.
Hochman also said the case includes claims involving multiple sexual acts with a minor, as well as allegations relating to mutilation of a body.
Prosecutors say they intend to introduce evidence that Rivas Hernandez was a witness in a separate investigation involving Burke, tied to alleged sexual acts said to have occurred when she was under 14.
After Burke’s arrest on April 17, his legal team stated publicly that he denies the allegations.
Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter issued the following statement to LADbible Group: “Let us be clear – the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.
“There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”