D4vd faces murder charges as Celeste Rivas' family calls for death penalty

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has expressed support for the death penalty for singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, if he is convicted of her murder. The request comes as the family marks what would have been Rivas’ 16th birthday and one year since her remains were discovered in a Tesla registered to Burke.

Burke is facing charges of first-degree murder, child sex abuse, and mutilation in Los Angeles County. Prosecutors allege the crime was premeditated and intended to prevent Rivas from exposing an illegal sexual relationship. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His previous legal team recently withdrew from the case, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is currently deciding whether to pursue the death penalty or life imprisonment. Burke remains held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility while awaiting trial.