Entertainment

Slain teenager's family urges death penalty if singer D4vd is convicted

Relatives of Celeste Rivas Hernandez demand capital punishment and file a lawsuit, BBC News reports.

Updated Sep 11, 2026 · 20:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez is seeking capital punishment if singer D4vd is convicted of her murder.[BBC News]
Hernandez's parents also launched a civil lawsuit against D4vd alleging wrongful death, false imprisonment, and sexual assault.[BBC News]
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty after being ordered to stand trial.[BBC News]
A temporary moratorium currently halts executions across California as the legal proceedings move forward.[BBC News]

The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez requested capital punishment if singer D4vd is convicted of her murder.[BBC News]
Hernandez's dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the address of David Anthony Burke on September 8, 2025.[BBC News]
Hernandez's parents initiated a civil lawsuit against Burke seeking financial damages for wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault.[BBC News]
Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge after a judge determined sufficient probable cause existed for a trial.[BBC News]
Burke separated from his celebrity defense lawyer and is currently represented by a public defender.[BBC News]

Whether capital punishment could ever be carried out remains uncertain due to California's temporary ban on the death penalty.[BBC News]

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