Celeste Rivas' Family Backs Death Penalty For Singer D4vd Ahead Of Murder Trial

The family of slain teenager Celeste Rivas is demanding the harshest possible penalty as alt-pop artist D4vd prepares to stand trial for her murder. Ahead of what would have been her 16th birthday, her relatives released a scathing statement making clear their stance on how the legal system should handle the musician accused of taking her life. Speaking directly to outlet The California Post on Sunday, September 6, the grieving household described the performer as a heartless individual who brought immense tragedy to everyone connected to the late young girl. The statement emphasized that the extreme punishment of execution would be entirely fitting for someone who showed such a total lack of empathy and conscience while destroying their family. While the relatives voiced strong support for capital punishment, they also acknowledged that the ultimate legal outcome is out of their hands. They noted that the final decision rests solely with divine justice and the judicial infrastructure of California, where the criminal proceedings are currently unfolding. The emotional message was made public just one day before Rivas would have marked her 16th birthday celebration. ## What happened to Celeste Rivas? The horrific case originally sent shockwaves through the music industry when authorities uncovered the body of the 14-year-old girl in September 2025. Investigators located her remains hidden inside the trunk of an electric vehicle registered under the singer's name, prompting a deep probe into the circumstances leading up to her death. Following months of investigation, law enforcement officers arrested the performer — whose legal name is David Anthony Burke — in April. He was formally taken into custody as prosecutors compiled a heavy slate of criminal charges connected to the teenager's demise and the aftermath surrounding the discovery of her remains. ## What are the charges against D4vd? Grand jury documents detail multiple major felony counts against the recording artist. In addition to a single count of murder, prosecutors charged the performer with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, as well as one count involving the unlawful mutilation of human remains. During an August 31 arraignment hearing, the musician officially entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge. As his legal counsel readies his defense strategy, the victim's family continues to speak out publicly, hoping for maximum accountability as the court case moves forward toward a formal trial.