Family of Slain Teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez Speaks Out After Singer D4vd's Arrest

The 14-year-old's family plans to attend any court proceedings against the 21-year-old musician, who is accused of her murder.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a car part or personal item from the crime scene, lit by a harsh flash and set against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this tragic case.A somber reminder of the high stakes and unanswered questions surrounding the death of a young life.Los Angeles Today

The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has broken their silence after the arrest of 21-year-old singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, in connection with her death. Hernandez's remains were found in the trunk of Burke's impounded Tesla in September 2025, one day after her 15th birthday. The Los Angeles Police Department announced Burke's arrest on April 16, and Hernandez's father, Jesus Rivas, said 'Thank God ... justice for Celeste.' Hernandez's family plans to exercise their rights under California's Victims' Bill of Rights and attend any of Burke's future court appearances.

Why it matters

The case has garnered significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the suspect, the young age of the victim, and the disturbing circumstances surrounding Hernandez's death. It raises questions about the safety of young people, the responsibilities of public figures, and the pursuit of justice for victims' families.

The details

According to the LAPD, Burke was arrested on a probable cause warrant and has allegedly not been cooperative with the investigation. The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office on April 20 for filing consideration. Burke's attorneys have stated that the evidence will show he did not murder Hernandez and was not the cause of her death, and that he has only been detained under suspicion.

  • Hernandez's remains were found in Burke's impounded Tesla on September 8, 2025 - one day after her 15th birthday.
  • Burke was arrested by the LAPD on April 16, 2026.
  • The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office on April 20, 2026.

The players

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl who was found dead in the trunk of singer D4vd's impounded Tesla in September 2025.

David Anthony Burke (D4vd)

A 21-year-old singer who was arrested by the LAPD on April 16, 2026 in connection with Hernandez's death.

Jesus Rivas

The father of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who expressed gratitude for the arrest of D4vd.

Patrick Steinfeld

The family attorney for the Rivas Hernandez family, who provided statements to the media.

Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter

The attorneys representing D4vd, who stated that the evidence will show he did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thank God ... justice for Celeste.”

— Jesus Rivas, Celeste Rivas Hernandez's father

“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.”

— Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, D4vd's attorneys

What’s next

Hernandez's family plans to exercise their rights under California's Victims' Bill of Rights and attend any of Burke's future court appearances, including his arraignment and any press conferences held after.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable young people and ensure that justice is served, while also underscoring the responsibility of public figures to cooperate fully with investigations into alleged wrongdoing.