The singer born David Anthony Burke could face the death penalty if convicted, after the teen girl’s body was found decomposing in his impounded car.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s parents break silence after D4vd is charged with her murder: ‘All we want is justice’

The singer born David Anthony Burke could face the death penalty if convicted, after the teen girl's body was found decomposing in his impounded car.

By Sharareh Drury

April 22, 2026 2:29 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Celeste Rivas Hernandez; D4vd. Credit:

GoFundMe; Michael Kovac/Getty

- The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were found in the singer D4vd's impounded car, say they want justice for the daughter and "miss her deeply."

- D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Celeste's death and could face the death penalty if convicted. He has denied the allegations.

- L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says there is physical, forensic, and digital evidence to connect D4vd to Hernandez's death.

The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were found decomposing in a car registered to the musician D4vd, have broken their silence on their daughter's death after D4vd was charged with her murder.

"We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their hard work," Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez said Tuesday in a statement provided to the California Post by their family attorney. Celeste's parents also paid remembered her as "a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance."

"Every Friday 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," they said. "All we want is justice for Celeste."

D4vd's booking photo.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was charged with first-degree murder Monday, with special circumstances that could make him eligible for the death penalty or life without parole if convicted. The 21-year-old musician has also been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

D4vd pleaded not guilty and was denied bail. He has a preliminary hearing set for Thursday.

The singer was arrested last week on suspicion of murder, eight months after Celeste's body was discovered by Los Angeles police in an impounded Tesla registered to D4vd. Officers had responded to reports of a "foul odor" coming from a vehicle in a Hollywood tow yard.

Celeste had been reported missing by her family in April 2024, when she was 13.

D4vd charged with murder after teen girl's body was found in his car, could face death penalty

Cher's son Elijah Blue Allman faces multiple court hearings amid bombshell news about secret child and prep school incident

The special circumstances alleged by prosecutors include lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murdering a witness to a crime. Celeste is considered a witness to the sexual abuse charge.

During a press conference Monday, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described what happened to Celeste as "a parent's worst nightmare."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

He alleged that Celeste went to D4vd's home in the Hollywood Hills on April 23, 2025, and that was the last time she was seen alive. Hochman declined to provide details as to how Celeste was allegedly killed, but said the coroner's report would be released shortly.

He also said there is physical, forensic, and digital evidence that will be presented in court "to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt."

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Lawsuits & Legal Troubles

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Celebrity”