Celeste Rivas Hernandez's Family Breaks Silence After D4vd's Murder Charge: 'All We Want Is Justice'
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez released their first public statement Tuesday, one day after singer D4vd was charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
"We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their hard work," the family said in a statement to ABC7, per CBS News Los Angeles. "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," the statement continued. "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."
What Prosecutors Say
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges against D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, on Monday. Burke faces first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains. The special circumstances — lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an ongoing investigation — make the case eligible for the death penalty or life without parole.
Prosecutors allege Burke had been in a sexual relationship with Celeste beginning when she was 13, and that when she threatened to expose him, he invited her to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. She was never heard from again. Her dismembered remains were found in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla at an LA impound yard in September 2025, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges at Monday's arraignment. His defense team has maintained that "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."
The Family's Parents Respond Too
Burke's parents also issued a statement through their attorney. "The Burkes are not surprised but are terribly disappointed that the District Attorney chose to charge David," they said. "Nevertheless, they support and stand by him one hundred percent."
Celeste's family was present for Monday's court appearance. A press conference through their attorney was canceled. Burke is scheduled to return to court Thursday and remains in custody without bail. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
