D4vd murder case: Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family breaks silence as legal battle begins

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is speaking publicly about their daughter after singer D4vd was charged in connection with the 14-year-old’s death. Their statement focuses less on the details surrounding the criminal case and more on the girl they remember at home: a daughter who loved music, dancing and spending Friday nights with her family.Celeste Rivas Hernandez family remembers their daughterCeleste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, released a statement through their attorney after D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder."Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance."Her parents also recalled simple family moments that now carry painful meaning."Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together.""We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply," the statement continued. "All we want is justice for Celeste."The family attended D4vd’s first court appearance following his arrest. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said the family wants Celeste’s memory honoured and her voice heard throughout the legal process.The case began attracting widespread attention in September 2025, when authorities found Celeste’s remains inside a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. Police said the vehicle had been abandoned and later impounded. Investigators found the teenager’s remains after officers were called over an unpleasant smell coming from the vehicle.Authorities said Celeste had last been known to be alive on April 23, 2025. Police have described her as a reported runaway from Riverside County.D4vd murder case moves forward in courtD4vd was arrested after a lengthy investigation and charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors have also filed additional allegations involving sexual acts involving the teenager, mutilation of human remains and an alleged financial motive connected to the singer’s career.Those claims remain allegations, and D4vd has not been convicted. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment, and he remains in custody without bail.D4vd’s lawyers have firmly denied that he killed Celeste."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," his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement on Monday. "We will vigorously defend David's innocence."The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined how Celeste died, according to prosecutors, but those findings remain sealed. As the case proceeds, the family’s focus remains on remembering Celeste while seeking answers through the court process.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.