In brief
The family of the 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has urged the use of the death penalty if singer D4vd is found guilty of murdering the girl. D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty, with the trial set for October 2026 in Los Angeles. A civil lawsuit has been filed claiming damages for burial and funeral costs and alleging wrongful death, sexual assault, and abuse of authority. The suit also names Burke’s management, mother, and a live‑in security guard, accusing them of enabling the alleged crimes. While California’s death penalty remains temporarily banned, the family insists execution would be “perfect” for the convicted singer.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family has demanded the death penalty if singer D4vd is convicted of murdering their 14‑year‑old daughter, after a dismembered body was found in the trunk of a Tesla linked to the man’s address.
D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. In California the death penalty is currently banned, but the family’s statement called execution “perfect” if the musician is found guilty.
The parents also filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking damages for burial and funeral expenses and alleging wrongful death, false imprisonment and sexual assault by Burke and his associates.
The suit lists Burke’s management company Mogul Vision, his mother and a live‑in security guard, claiming they enabled his isolation and control over the minor.
Lawyers previously representing D4vd withdrew after the judge found probable cause, and he is now defended by a public defender with a trial scheduled for 19 October 2026.
The death‑penalty debate will continue as evidence and testimony are presented next year, highlighting the clash between the singer’s defence strategy and a grieving family’s plea for justice.
BBC Original Report