Rivas Family Backs Death Penalty for D4vd

The family of Celeste Rivas has publicly stated their support for capital punishment in the case against singer D4vd, who awaits trial on murder charges related to the teenager's death. The statement was released on Sunday, September 6, marking the eve of what would have been Rivas' 16th birthday.

"If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for this kind of human being, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience, who only caused pain to our daughter, our family, and the world that supports our precious daughter," the family said in their statement to The California Post.

The family acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests beyond their control, stating that the matter lies "in God's, and the California justice system," according to The California Post.

D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was taken into custody in April and faces multiple serious charges. Prosecutors have charged him with murder in relation to Rivas' death, along with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Authorities discovered the body of Rivas, who was 14 years old at the time of her death, inside the trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered under the singer's name in September 2025.

At an arraignment hearing held on August 31, D4vd entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge. The hearing also marked a significant change in his legal representation, as the singer replaced a team of prominent attorneys with a public defender.

High-profile celebrity lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter had initially represented D4vd but withdrew from the case after the court determined he qualified for appointed counsel. The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has assumed responsibility for his defense.

"This morning, the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appoint the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel," the former legal team said in a statement to Rolling Stone. "We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office had taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him."

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the alleged killing occurred on April 23, 2025. Prosecutors contend that Rivas and D4vd engaged in an extended dispute via text messages on April 22, 2025, the day before her death.

The prosecution has presented allegations that D4vd fatally stabbed Rivas in the garage of his Hollywood Hills residence before dismembering her body with a chainsaw and other tools.

Prosecutors further alleged that he "amputated her left ring and pinky fingers because her ring finger contained a tattoo of his name. Her fingers have not been recovered. Defendant then placed her head and torso into the cadaver bag he purchased. He placed her limbs into a garbage bag, which he deposited into his front trunk, laying the cadaver bag on top. For several weeks, or possibly months, defendant left the victim's body to decompose inside his Tesla."

When D4vd was arrested in April, his former legal team issued a statement denying his involvement in the teenager's death.

"Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," the attorneys told TMZ at the time.

The case continues to develop as D4vd prepares for trial on the charges against him.