The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl at the center of a harrowing murder investigation, is pushing back against viral claims that they received financial compensation from the man accused of her death. In a statement released Friday, May 1, 2026, the family firmly denied any financial ties to the musician known professionally as d4vd.
Jesus Rivas, Celeste’s father, addressed the rumors that have been circulating in their hometown of Lake Elsinore, California, and across social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook. Speaking through his attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, Rivas sought to clear the family’s name amid a period of profound mourning and public scrutiny.
“I never had any contact with this guy and we haven’t received any money from him or anyone in his family.” Jesus Rivas, father of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The denial comes as the Rivas family navigates the aftermath of a case that has shocked the public with its disturbing allegations of grooming, abuse, and violence. The family’s legal representative described the emotional state of the parents as one of indescribable pain
, noting that they are struggling to balance the demands of daily life with the trauma of their loss.
Addressing Local and Online Speculation
The rumors suggesting a “payoff” reportedly gained traction in the Lake Elsinore community and within online forums dedicated to the case. Some speculators suggested that the defendant, whose legal name is David Burke, had attempted to provide funds to the family to mitigate the fallout of the charges against him. However, the family maintains that no such transaction occurred and that there has been no communication between the parents and Burke.
According to TMZ reporting, the family had previously avoided the media following the defendant’s first court appearance, citing emotional exhaustion. The resurgence of these financial rumors has forced the family to break their silence to prevent further misinformation from spreading.
The Horrific Details of the Case
The legal battle stems from the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 years traditional. According to prosecutors, the tragedy unfolded on April 23, 2025, when Burke allegedly lured the teenager to his rented residence in the Hollywood Hills. Investigators claim Burke stabbed the girl to death and subsequently used a chainsaw and other tools to dismember her remains in his garage.
The case took a gruesome turn on September 8, 2025, when Celeste’s decomposed remains were discovered in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke. The vehicle had been towed from a location near his Hollywood Hills home. As detailed by the Los Angeles Times, the autopsy confirmed that the teen died from multiple penetrating injuries to her upper body.
Prosecutors have painted a methodical picture of premeditation and cover-up. Court filings allege that Burke ordered a shovel from Home Depot the day after the killing and later purchased two chainsaws from Amazon to dispose of the evidence. The District Attorney’s office claims Burke murdered the teenager to prevent her from exposing his alleged sexual abuse of her, which prosecutors say would have devastated his lucrative music career.
Allegations of Grooming and Manipulation
The prosecution’s timeline suggests a long-term pattern of manipulation. They allege that Burke began a sexual relationship with Rivas when she was only 11 years old. Despite interventions by her parents—who reported her missing in February and April 2024—prosecutors claim Burke maintained contact with her through clandestine means.
In one instance, authorities allege Burke paid a student in Celeste’s class $1,000 to deliver a cellphone he had purchased for her after her parents had confiscated her own device. Throughout 2024, the two allegedly traveled together to Las Vegas, London, and Texas, where she reportedly met Burke’s family.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
David Burke currently faces several severe felony charges, including first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains held without bail.
The scale of the evidence being processed is immense. Investigators have reportedly gathered 40 terabytes of data, including wiretaps and digital communications, which are currently being handed over during the discovery phase of the trial. The prosecution believes this evidence, combined with forensic data from the Tesla and the home, will prove Burke’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“There are no words to express the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now. They still have bills to pay and jobs they go to every day. All they want is time to grieve and heal.” Patrick Steinfeld, attorney for the Rivas family
Key Case Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February/April 2024 | Celeste is reported missing by her family multiple times. |
| April 23, 2025 | Estimated date of Celeste’s death at the Hollywood Hills residence. |
| September 8, 2025 | Celeste’s remains are discovered in the trunk of David Burke’s Tesla. |
| April 2026 | David Burke is arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other felonies. |
| May 1, 2026 | Jesus Rivas formally rejects rumors of payments from the defendant. |
What Happens Next
As the defense continues to challenge the prosecution’s narrative, the case moves toward a critical juncture. The court is tasked with determining if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial.
The next confirmed checkpoint in the legal process is the preliminary hearing scheduled for May 26, 2026. During this hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to a judge to demonstrate that a crime was committed and that there is enough probable cause to hold David Burke for trial.
The Rivas family continues to request for privacy and respect as they seek justice for their daughter. They have expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and the community of Lake Elsinore for their support during this ordeal.
World Today Journal will continue to monitor this case as it develops. We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below and share this article to keep the public informed on the pursuit of justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.