Nationwide — The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found dead inside a Tesla linked to rapper D4vd, says they want the death penalty if he is convicted of her killing. The family made the statement Sept. 6, one day before the teenager would have turned 16. Prosecutors have accused the 21-year-old musician, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, of murdering the teen and committing other crimes connected to her death.
“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 a statement. They also acknowledged that the final decision does not belong to them. “But that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s and the California justice system,” they added.
The question of a possible death sentence remains unresolved. According to People, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Aug. 31 that he had not decided whether prosecutors would seek the death penalty if the case results in a conviction. California’s death penalty remains legally available, although the state has not carried out an execution since 2006. Prosecutors would have to make the decision as the case moves toward trial.
The case began after Rivas Hernandez’s decomposing remains were discovered Sept. 8, 2025, inside the trunk of a Tesla at an impound lot in Los Angeles. Authorities later arrested Burke in April 2026 and charged him with murder. Prosecutors allege he fatally stabbed the teenager after she threatened to reveal their alleged sexual relationship and damage his music career. They also claim the two began communicating in 2022, when she was 11, and that their sexual relationship began when she was 13 and he was 18.
Burke faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder with special circumstances involving lying in wait, financial gain, and the alleged killing of a witness to an investigation. Prosecutors also accuse him of lewd and lascivious sexual acts involving a person under 14 and of mutilating human remains. He has not been convicted of the charges. During a five-day preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence supporting the case, and a judge ruled July 27 that there was enough evidence for the murder case to proceed toward trial.
After that ruling, Rivas Hernandez’s family said they felt relieved that the preliminary hearing had ended. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, told reporters outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center that the family appreciated the work by prosecutors and Los Angeles police investigators. A trial date has not yet been formally scheduled.