The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14‑year‑old who was murdered in 2025, announced plans to file a wrongful‑death lawsuit against the singer known as D4vd. The complaint, filed by the family’s attorney Patrick Seinfeld, is still pending court processing and has not yet been released to the media.
Family’s allegations and statements
In a statement released on the eve of what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday, the family called for the death penalty for D4vd, describing him as “devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience.” The family added, “But that is not in our hands, but rather in God’s, and the California justice system.”
The family also criticized D4vd’s financial situation, asserting that he is not indigent and that he has hidden money in various corporations. They pointed to his billions of streams and large monthly listener base as evidence that taxpayers would be funding a public defender for a wealthy individual.
Criminal case background
According to prosecutors, Celeste’s boyfriend, David Anthony Burke, who uses the stage name D4vd, murdered her and left her dismembered body in his car in 2025. Burke is currently incarcerated and has been ordered to stand trial on a murder charge. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court next month. A judge ordered the trial after a preliminary hearing in July, during which graphic photos of Celeste’s remains were shown.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Celeste because he feared she would expose their sexual relationship and damage his emerging music career. After his private attorneys withdrew last week, Burke was assigned a public defender.
Legal process
The wrongful‑death complaint alleges that Burke’s actions caused the death of Celeste and seeks damages from him. While the complaint remains under court review, the family expects it to become public once processed.
California has not carried out an execution in two decades, a fact the family highlighted in their statement, noting that any potential death‑penalty outcome would be determined by the state’s justice system.
Community reaction
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed outrage over the case, particularly the claim that public funds may be used to defend a wealthy defendant. The family’s call for accountability reflects broader concerns about how the criminal‑justice system handles high‑profile cases involving public figures.
Authorities have not commented further on the pending lawsuit or the family’s statements.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
