Celeste Rivas Hernandez‘s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against D4vd following his arrest for first-degree murder. In addition, her family shared their support of the death penalty on Monday, September 7, which would have been the teenager’s 16th birthday.
RELATED: D4vd’s Mugshot Released As He’s Reportedly Expected To Be Charged With First-Degree Murder In Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family Files A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against D4vd
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against D4vd, according to TMZ. Not only that, but the family is also suing his manager, Josh Marshall, his security guard, Sheldon Jacques, and his mother, Colleen Burke.
Furthermore, the family has shared their support for the death penalty being activated for the artist upon his conviction, according to KTLA. Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposing remains were found in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025. The Shade Room reported that ‘Romantic Homicide’ artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested in April 2026. In addition, he was also charged with sexual abuse of a child under 14.
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The wrongful death lawsuit alleges that the rapper’s live-in security guard, Sheldon Jacques, helped D4vd move a then-13-year-old Celeste to and from his Hollywood Hills home. In addition, the complaint mentions Mogul Vision and music manager Josh Marshall. Furthermore, the complaint claims that the people around the artist either knew or should have known about him sexually exploiting the teenager. In addition, it claims they failed to protect her or stop the alleged abuse and subsequent death.
Family Also Calls For Death Penalty
In addition to the lawsuit, the family announced their wishes for the death penalty for the rapper, per KTLA. Celeste’s mother’s name is Mercedes Martinez, and her father’s name is Jesus Rivas.
“If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for this kind of human being, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience, who only caused pain to our daughter, our family, and the world that supports our precious daughter,” reads the statement.
During an April press conference, District Attorney Hochman claimed that Burke, 21, had a sexual relationship with the teenager. In addition, the DA said that D4vd murdered the teen after she threatened to expose him for having sex with a minor.
Furthermore, Hochman said that Burke “murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags.”
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” he said. “But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car. There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
Celeste’s Body Was Found In The Trunk Of D4vd’s Tesla
Celeste’s body was found in the trunk of the rapper’s Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard back in September 2025. Furthermore, the teenager’s remains were decomposing and had been mutilated.
The Shade Room Teens reported that Celeste’s body was frozen before being disposed of, in addition to being dismembered. It’s believed the teen was stabbed and bled to death before being dismembered.
TSR reported that Burke now has a public defender after allegedly running out of money while awaiting trial in a Los Angeles jail.
