Los Angeles – The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14‑year‑old who was brutally murdered in 2025, has taken to social media to demand the ultimate punishment for the alleged perpetrator, the singer known as D4vd. In a statement released on Sunday, the family posted a recent photograph of Celeste and declared that the death penalty would be “perfect for this kind of human being, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience.”
Family’s plea emphasizes faith and the legal system
“… But that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s, and the California justice system,” the statement read, underscoring the family’s reliance on both divine providence and the state’s courts to deliver what they view as just retribution.
Celeste’s parents say the call for capital punishment is rooted in the horrific nature of the crime. According to prosecutors, her then‑boyfriend, David Anthony Burke—who uses the stage name D4vd—murdered her and left her dismembered body in his car. The case shocked the community and drew national attention due to the involvement of a rising music artist.
Legal proceedings continue
Burke is currently incarcerated and has been ordered to stand trial on a murder charge. A court date is set for next month, where a jury will determine his guilt and, if convicted, recommend sentencing. Last week, Burke’s private defense team withdrew, leaving him to be represented by a public defender from Los Angeles County.
California law permits the death penalty only for the most egregious offenses, and the state has seen a decline in executions over the past decade. Nonetheless, the Rivas Hernandez family’s request reflects a broader debate about capital punishment’s role in delivering justice for the most heinous crimes.
Community response
Local residents and faith‑based groups have expressed solidarity with the family, offering prayers and support. While some community members echo the call for the death penalty, others urge the legal process to proceed without prejudice, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial.
Regardless of the outcome, the case remains a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting young people and the profound impact of violent crime on families and neighborhoods.
What’s next?
The upcoming trial will determine whether Burke is found guilty and, if so, whether the jury will recommend the death penalty—a decision that will ultimately rest with California’s judges and the governor’s clemency powers. The Rivas Hernandez family says they will continue to pray for justice and for God’s guidance as the legal process unfolds.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
