Celeste’s family call for D4vd to face the death penalty, one year after her body was found

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has called for the death penalty for D4vd if he is found guilty of murdering the 14-year-old, one year after her body was discovered.

Celeste’s parents, Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas, released a statement on Monday, which would have been their daughter’s 16th birthday.

Via GoFundMe

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with murdering Celeste after her dismembered body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to his address on 8th September 2025.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. In their statement, released through the family’s attorney, Celeste’s parents said they believed execution would be an appropriate punishment if Burke is convicted.

“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,”

California currently has a temporary ban on executions, although first-degree murder is among the charges Burke faces.

The statement came as the family marked what should have been Celeste’s 16th birthday.

A separate statement from her family said they were “reliving unforgettable moments even though she is no longer here” and were “experiencing so many emotions”.

Masatoshi Okauvhi/Shutterstock

The family has also taken legal action against Burke outside of the criminal case.

Most Read

Celebrities are calling out Ariana Grande’s team for ‘absolutely appalling’ petal music video

The internet never forgets: The biggest male celeb nude leaks ever, and how they responded

Love Island’s over, so here’s every 2026 couple’s relationship status and who’s already split

On Friday, Celeste’s parents filed a civil lawsuit against the singer seeking monetary damages, including burial and funeral expenses.

The lawsuit alleges wrongful death, false imprisonment and childhood sexual assault.

According to the court documents, Celeste and Burke first met in November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18. Her parents allege that over the following 16 months they exchanged almost 10,000 text messages and had sex several times.

“At all relevant times Burke was an adult who occupied a position of authority over decedent, a minor, and was able to and did exercise undue influence and control over her,” the lawsuit states.

Celeste’s parents further allege that Burke killed their daughter at his Hollywood Hills home after she threatened to expose their relationship. The lawsuit claims Celeste allegedly sent him a message which read: “I will end ur career and ur life”.

TED SOQUI/EPA/Shutterstock

Her parents also allege that other people “enabled Burke to isolate” Celeste and helped facilitate his travel, housing and security. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed and killed Celeste before severing her limbs, claiming he was attempting to stop her from revealing their sexual relationship.

He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The singer’s legal team has also changed significantly in recent weeks. Burke is now represented by a lawyer from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

He was ordered to remain in custody without bail and is due back in court on 19th October. His trial has been pushed back to next year.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook.

Featured image via Masatoshi Okauvhi/Shutterstock, TED SOQUI/EPA/Shutterstock