D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
D4vd charged with first-degree murder after Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death; family speaks out as memorials grow in Lake Elsinore.
In Lake Elsinore, California, the singer known as D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The charges include sexual acts with a person under 14 and mutilating the remains, with prosecutors laying out a slate of aggravating factors that could affect sentencing. The first-degree murder charge comes with special circumstances tied to lying in wait, murdering a witness in an ongoing investigation, and financial gain, potentially making the case eligible for life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Memorials have appeared at the scene, with photographs, notes, and flowers left in Celeste’s memory. The family released their first public statement since the charges, thanking the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from Lake Elsinore residents. They described Celeste as a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance, and recalled family movie nights and treasured moments together. “All we want is justice for Celeste,” they said, emphasizing their desire for accountability.
D4vd appeared in court for the charges, while the press conference the family hoped to hold outside the courtroom was canceled. The case remains under active prosecution as authorities pursue the murder and related charges, with the court schedule expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
