Family urges death penalty for singer D4vd in California teen murder case

The short version

• The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has called for singer D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, to face capital punishment after a judge ordered him to stand trial.[NBC News]
• Rivas Hernandez's dismembered remains were discovered in the front trunk of Burke's vehicle at an impound facility in September 2025.[NBC News]
• Burke has entered not guilty pleas to charges including murder, sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and mutilating human remains.[NBC News]
• Prosecutors allege the defendant dated the victim starting at age 13 and ended the connection once she threatened exposure.[NBC News]

Key facts

• The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez requested the death penalty for David Anthony Burke, known as singer D4vd, following an order for him to stand trial.[NBC News]
• The dismembered body of the 14-year-old was located in September 2025 in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla at a Los Angeles impound lot.[NBC News]
• Burke entered not guilty pleas to counts of murder, unlawful mutilation of human remains, and continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.[NBC News]
• Prosecutors alleged in a preliminary hearing that Burke began a relationship with the victim at 13 and broke it off after she threatened exposure.[NBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Family of 14-year-old found dead in singer D4vd’s Tesla seeks the death penaltyNBC News - Top Stories