Family of slain teen calls for death penalty in murder trial of singer D4vd
theguardian.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has called for the death penalty for singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke), who is on trial for her murder; her dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025.
- Prosecutors allege Burke, aged 21, killed Celeste after a sexual relationship that began when she was 13 and he was 18, and that he severed her limbs to conceal the crime; Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related charges.
- Celeste was last seen in April 2025, and evidence presented includes messages about her pregnancy and abortion, as well as photos showing a tattoo of Burke's name on her finger, which was among the severed limbs.
- Burke’s defense claims there is no proof of intent to kill and no witnesses or footage placing Celeste at his home during the alleged murder timeframe.
- Burke’s high-profile legal team withdrew from the case in August without explanation, complicating his defense as the trial proceeds.
