Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez Seeks Death Penalty Against D4vd

The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have formally urged Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to pursue the death penalty against D4vd, the singer born David Burke, if he is convicted of their daughter’s murder. Rivas Hernandez would have turned 16 on Monday.

In a statement to the California Post, the family described Burke as “devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience,” and said capital punishment “would be perfect for this kind of human being.” They added that the decision rests with the California justice system, not with them.

Burke pleaded not guilty last week to charges that he sexually abused the 14-year-old, killed and dismembered her, and concealed her remains in the front trunk of his Tesla. Shortly after, he dropped his legal team and moved to a public defender; Hochman said he is waiting for a mitigation packet before any death penalty decision.

California has not carried out an execution since 2006, and Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reprieve in 2019. Hochman’s office has since rescinded the prior administration’s blanket policy against capital punishment, saying it will be considered only after extensive review in “exceedingly rare cases.”