The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez is advocating for the death penalty for D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, if he is found guilty of her murder. Burke is accused of killing Hernandez, whose dismembered body was discovered in a Tesla registered to him on September 8, 2025. Although Burke has pleaded not guilty, Hernandez’s family believes execution is warranted if he is convicted. California currently has a temporary ban on the death penalty, but the family insists it would be fitting for Burke. They have also filed a civil lawsuit against him, seeking damages for burial and funeral costs. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Burke of wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault. Hernandez’s parents claim Burke, an adult, exerted undue influence over their daughter, whom he met when she was 13. They allege he killed her when she threatened to expose their relationship. The lawsuit also implicates Burke’s companies, managers, mother, and a security guard, accusing them of enabling Burke’s actions. Burke’s management has denied knowledge of the relationship. A judge has ruled there is enough evidence for Burke to stand trial, and the district attorney is considering seeking the death penalty. On what would have been Hernandez’s 16th birthday, her family reiterated their call for Burke’s execution, describing him as devoid of feelings and conscience.
QUESTION: How might the temporary ban on the death penalty in California influence the outcome of this case and the family’s pursuit of justice?
Family of killed teen call for death penalty in D4vd trial
