D4vd‘s murder case has continued to make headlines as the singer faces charges stemming from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, the teen’s family has made its position clear, calling for D4vd to face the death penalty if he is ultimately convicted of his charges.
D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, remains at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles as he awaits his murder trial in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd.
The 21-year-old “Romantic Homicide” singer is accused of one count of first-degree murder, one count of lewd or lascivious acts involving an individual under 14 years old, and one count of unlawful mutilation of human remains. His charges also come with special circumstances, including lying in wait, murdering a witness, and murder for financial gain.
Under the California Penal Code, the death penalty may be imposed in first-degree murder cases when one or more special circumstances are found to be true.
While the prosecution has not decided whether to pursue the death penalty, Hernandez’s family is making their stance clear ahead of the trial.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez Family Wants Ultimate Punishment
On September 6, the eve of what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday, her family said they want D4vd to face capital punishment.
Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, said the death penalty was “perfect” for the defendant.
“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. But that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s and the California justice system,” they said in a statement to the California Post.
LA County DA Nathan Hochman Ended The Death Penalty Blanket Ban In The County
Nathan Hochman took office as the District Attorney of Los Angeles County in December 2024. The previous DA, George Gascón, placed a local blanket ban on the death penalty, barring his staff from seeking capital punishment on new and pending cases.
When Hochman replaced Gascón, he reinstated capital punishment in LA County, but also made the review process stricter.
Per the press release, the death penalty is “reserved solely for the most horrific crimes.” A special circumstances committee will review cases eligible for capital punishment, and prosecutors must also establish that special circumstances apply to the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreover, prosecutors will “actively consult” victims’ family members, and their opinions will be taken into consideration in the review process.
The DA Has Yet To Receive A Mitigation Packet From D4vd’s Attorneys
Part of Hochman’s review process for the death penalty is defense advocacy to ensure fairness and restrict the punishment for the worst offenders.
The DA allows the defense to submit a mitigation packet, which includes comprehensive documents about the accused’s background, mental health, family history, educational and medical records, and crime-specific circumstances that may persuade the prosecution to pursue a lesser sentence than capital punishment.
As of August 31, Hochman said his office has yet to receive a mitigation packet from D4vd’s counsel, which he is awaiting before deciding whether to seek the death penalty.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family Questions D4vd’s Finances
D4vd changed his counsel at his last court appearance. His high-profile lawyers withdrew from the case, and a public defender is now representing him, per The Blast. No reasons were disclosed for his defense team’s withdrawal, but reports noted that public defenders are typically reserved for those who could not afford to hire their own attorneys.
One of D4vd’s financial managers testified in court that the singer earned between $10 and $11.5 million from 2023 to 2025, leading many to ask why he could not retain his defense team. There are also allegations that D4vd transferred assets to his mother.
Speaking on behalf of Celeste’s family, Atty. Patrick Steinfeld said the family is questioning whether D4vd should be qualified to have a public defender, noting his substantial income. “The residents of Los Angeles County should be outraged because it will be the taxpayers that are picking the tab to defend this millionaire,” the statement read.
D4vd is due back in court on October 19 for a pre-trial hearing and status conference.
