"It would be perfect": Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family backs death penalty for D4vd if he's convicted

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is calling for the death penalty for singer D4vd as the prosecution considers what type of penalty to pursue in the case.

Celeste’s parents made the statement shortly before what would have been their daughter’s 16th birthday.

The death penalty has been termed by Celeste’s parents as “perfect” for D4vd, whose real name is David Burke.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently considering whether to pursue the death penalty or life imprisonment for Burke. His trial is expected to take place later this year.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez would have turned 16 on Monday. Tuesday also marks one year since her body was found inside a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard.

In a statement, Celeste’s family expressed deep anger over the circumstances surrounding her death and accused Burke of causing lasting pain to their daughter, their family, and the people who have supported Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family also acknowledged that the final decision is outside their control, writing:

“That’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s and the California justice system.”

The statement was signed by the Rivas Hernandez family and was accompanied by a previously unseen photograph of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

D4vd remains in custody while the case moves forward. The allegations against him have not been proven at trial, and the prosecution’s decision regarding the death penalty has not yet been announced.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family slams claim that D4vd is “indigent”

The statement comes after the disgraced singer’s attorneys hired to represent him in his forthcoming murder trial have withdrawn from the case.

Following their exit, high-profile private attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter didn’t publicly state a specific reason for quitting.

As a replacement, a public defender, Walid Kandeel, from the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, was appointed to mount his defense against the murder charge, citing that the singer is indigent.

However, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family contested this statement. Through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, the family said:

“It is unfathomable that our justice system qualifies David Anthony Burke as indigent when D4VD has 5+ billion streams with 16 million monthly listeners on a single streaming platform, and controls three corporations.”

According to Steinfeld, the singer has earnings from his massive streams and monthly listeners on a single streaming platform.

The lawyer also highlighted that he owns three companies: D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising, and Headspace Publishing.

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“David Anthony Burke is not indigent. His assets are protected by his companies. Perhaps he would have money if he just asked one of his corporations.”

D4vd’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2026.

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