The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has broken their silence for the first time since the 14-year-old girl was found dead in a Tesla linked to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. In a statement shared with ABC7 and CBS News, the family expressed their grief and gratitude toward law enforcement and community supporters.
“Celeste was a attractive, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. 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 read. “All we want is Justice for Celeste.”
The family thanked the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office “for their hard operate,” as well as Lake Elsinore residents who have lent their support. Their comments arrive after Burke made his first courtroom appearance on April 20, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to criminal felony charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He is being held without bail.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Burke was officially charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances — including murder of a witness to an investigation, murder for financial gain and lying in wait — on April 15, 2026. Prosecutors allege that Burke believed allegations of sexual relations with a minor could derail his emerging music career, which motivated the financial gain circumstance in the murder charge.
The teen’s remains were discovered seven months prior in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla at a tow yard in Lake Elsinore, California, after workers reported a foul odor coming from the vehicle. Burke was arrested shortly after the discovery and has remained in custody since.
Burke also faces additional charges of lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years vintage and mutilating a body. The Medical Examiner’s Report revealed the cause and manner of death to be homicide, with evidence of dismemberment, though specific forensic details were not disclosed publicly out of respect for the family’s request for privacy.
The family’s attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, stated that the Rivas Hernandez family is “absolutely devastated by the findings contained in the Medical Examiner’s Report involving the horrible and gruesome death of their beloved daughter.” He added that the family respectfully asks for privacy, understanding, and patience as they process this information.
Steinfeld confirmed that Celeste’s parents, Jesus and Mercedes Rivas Hernandez, attended Burke’s arraignment but will not be present at a subsequent hearing scheduled for the following day due to emotional distress and concerns for their safety. He noted that the family felt intimidated by the presence of reporters and camera crews, and cited an unidentified individual who warned waiting press that the family would not be making a public statement outside the courthouse.
“The Rivas Hernandez family are very private individuals who were overwhelmed by the day’s events,” Steinfeld told TMZ on April 21, 2026. “They were concerned for their safety when they heard about the bomb threat. They were intimidated by the onslaught of reporters and the aggressiveness of some camera people.”
A memorial featuring a photograph of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, surrounded by flowers, lights and handwritten notes, has been established near the tow yard where her remains were found. Community members continue to leave tributes in her honor.
The case has drawn attention not only for its tragic nature but also for the intersection of youth violence, social media fame, and the legal responsibilities of young artists in the public eye. Burke, who rose to prominence through platforms like TikTok and SoundCloud, had been gaining recognition for his music prior to his arrest.
Legal experts note that the special circumstance allegations — particularly murder for financial gain and murder of a witness — could lead to enhanced penalties if convicted, including life without the possibility of parole under California law. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Burke committed the murder with intent to prevent Celeste from reporting alleged sexual abuse and that he believed her silence would protect his career prospects.
The next court appearance for David Burke is scheduled for a preliminary hearing, though the exact date has not yet been made public. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not announced any further filings or plea discussions at this time.
As the legal process continues, the family’s statement stands as a solemn reminder of the human toll behind the headlines. Their plea for justice reflects not only a desire for legal accountability but also a hope that Celeste’s life will be remembered for the joy she brought to those who knew her.
Readers who wish to leave condolences or share memories of Celeste Rivas Hernandez can do so through community memorials in Lake Elsinore or by respecting the family’s request for privacy during this tough time.