Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against D4vd following his arrest on charges of first-degree murder. On Monday, September 7, which would have marked the teenager’s 16th birthday, her family publicly expressed their support for the imposition of the death penalty.

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Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family Takes Legal Action Against D4vd for Wrongful Death

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against D4vd, as reported by TMZ. The lawsuit also includes claims against his manager, Josh Marshall, his security personnel, Sheldon Jacques, and his mother, Colleen Burke.

In their statements, the family has voiced their desire for the death penalty to be pursued in the event of a conviction, according to KTLA. The gruesome discovery of Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposing remains occurred in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025. The Shade Room noted that the artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested in April 2026, facing additional charges of sexual abuse of a child under 14.

The wrongful death lawsuit claims that the rapper’s live-in security guard, Sheldon Jacques, assisted D4vd in transporting Celeste, who was then 13 years old, to and from his Hollywood Hills residence. The complaint also implicates Mogul Vision and music manager Josh Marshall. It alleges that those surrounding the artist either knew or should have been aware of his exploitation of the minor. The lawsuit asserts that they failed to protect her or intervene to prevent the alleged abuse and subsequent tragedy.

Family Advocates for the Death Penalty for D4vd

Alongside the lawsuit, the family has made known their intention to seek the death penalty for the rapper, as reported by KTLA. Celeste’s mother, Mercedes Martinez, and father, Jesus Rivas, have been vocal about their stance.

“If the death penalty were enacted, it would serve justice for this kind of individual, who is devoid of feelings and conscience, and who has caused immense suffering to our daughter, our family, and the community that embraces our beloved daughter,” the family stated.

During a press conference in April, District Attorney Hochman indicated that Burke, aged 21, had engaged in a sexual relationship with the teenager. He further asserted that D4vd murdered Celeste after she threatened to reveal the nature of their illicit relationship.

Hochman detailed that Burke “murdered her, dismembered her body, and concealed her remains in two bags.”

“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual acts with her,” he stated. “When she threatened to disclose his illegal behavior, Burke allegedly took her life, dismembered her, and concealed her remains in bags placed in the trunk of his vehicle. Those remains went undiscovered for over four months until they were found at a tow yard on September 8, 2025. This horrific crime committed by a charged sexual predator is both shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we are committed to securing the justice you seek and deserve.”

Discovery of Celeste’s Remains in D4vd’s Tesla

The remains of Celeste were uncovered in the trunk of the rapper’s Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025. The teenager’s body was found in a state of decomposition and mutilation.

Reports from The Shade Room Teens indicated that Celeste’s body may have been frozen prior to disposal, alongside being dismembered. It is suspected that she was fatally stabbed before the act of dismemberment.

Currently, Burke is represented by a public defender after allegedly depleting his financial resources while awaiting trial in a Los Angeles jail.

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