Friday, 11 September 2026, 7:59
Key Takeaways:
The grieving family of teenage victim Celeste Rivas Hernandez has publicly called for the death penalty against viral singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. In a statement released on what would have been her 16th birthday, her parents expressed profound anguish while condemning the accused as a person devoid of conscience.
If the death penalty were applied, it would be perfect for this type of human being, devoid of feelings, empty inside, and without a conscience, the family said through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld.
David Anthony Burke, 21, was arrested in April at a residence on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills. According to Los Angeles Police Department reports and court documents, investigators discovered a decomposed head and torso inside a black body bag, along with additional dismembered body parts in a separate bag. A vehicle associated with Burke was also found abandoned and later towed by Hollywood Tow.
During a recent preliminary hearing, Burke abruptly terminated his private legal counsel and requested representation by public defenders. This move has ignited outrage among the victim's supporters. Attorney Steinfeld argued that Burke, who has amassed significant wealth through social media fame, does not qualify as indigent.
Residents of Los Angeles County should be outraged because they will be the taxpayers footing the bill to defend this millionaire, Steinfeld stated in a press release.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and illegal mutilation of human remains. He is now scheduled to face a trial for these alleged crimes.
This high-profile case in Los Angeles has drawn intense scrutiny regarding both the justice system's handling of wealthy defendants and the safety concerns within local residential areas. The Hollywood Hills neighborhood where Burke was apprehended is typically known for its affluent residents, making the nature of these allegations particularly shocking to the community.
The investigation began after an individual reported an abandoned vehicle near Burke's home. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of the remains. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Rivas Hernandez family continues to navigate their devastating loss while advocating for the harshest possible punishment.
As the court prepares for trial, attention remains fixed on how the judge will rule on the request for public defense versus private counsel. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for how similar situations involving celebrities are managed within the Los Angeles judicial framework.
