The relatives of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl from California whose passing has devastated the nation, has strongly dismissed online speculation suggesting that platinum-selling musician D4vd paid them money to win their confidence or remain silent. In a statement released on Friday, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, flatly rejected the claims, stating he had never been in contact with the singer and that the family had not obtained any money from him or his family members. The statement arrives days after prosecutors disclosed a disturbing account of how the teenager was allegedly murdered and dismembered by the artist, born David Anthony Burke, at his Hollywood Hills residence on 23 April 2025.
Family Breaks Silence Amid Speculation
The Rivas Hernandez family has found themselves at the heart of painful public scrutiny following the release of profoundly troubling details about their daughter’s death. Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld disclosed that informing the family of the allegations against Burke was “the hardest task I had to do in 37 years as a lawyer.” The revelations—comprising claims that Burke fatally wounded Celeste, remained present as she bled to death, and used a chainsaw to dismember her body—have left the family in what Steinfeld described as “unfathomable pain.” Though initially urged to speak publicly following Burke’s arrest, the family has found it difficult to come to terms with the horrifying details surfacing regularly in court filings and media coverage.
Steinfeld highlighted that the family’s silence should not be interpreted as indifference or complicity, but rather as a natural response to intense bereavement. “There are no adequate way to articulate the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now,” he remarked. The attorney underscored that Celeste’s parents, brother, and sister remain engaged with their routine duties—meeting financial commitments and going to work—whilst concurrently dealing with the loss of a cherished family member. The family has asked for space and time to mourn, seeking respite from the persistent press scrutiny and the stream of graphic particulars that keep emerging as the judicial process unfolds.
- Jesus Rivas denied receiving any money from Burke or his family
- Attorney Steinfeld described informing the family as extraordinarily difficult
- Family members include mother and father Jesus and Mercedes, plus two older siblings
- Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste to cover up abuse of a sexual nature
Startling Court Disclosures Rock Grieving Relatives
The Rivas Hernandez family’s distress grew significantly this week when prosecutors unveiled a deeply disturbing account of the purported circumstances surrounding Celeste’s death. In a legal document released on Wednesday, authorities set out horrifying allegations against Burke, painting a picture of premeditated violence and calculated concealment. The revelation of these graphic specifics—each more troubling than the last—has deepened the family’s suffering at a time when they are already struggling to comprehend the loss of their cherished daughter and sister. Attorney Steinfeld recognised that the unending stream of new and harrowing details has made it virtually impossible for the family to locate any measure of peace or stability during their hardest time.
The combined effect of these revelations has placed the Rivas family in a deeply shocked state, despite their initial willingness to participate with the media and public after Burke’s arrest and court appearance. What was designed as an occasion for seeking justice has instead transformed into a agonising experience, with each court document and prosecutorial statement reviving pain and compelling the family to relive the horror of their loss continually. Steinfeld emphasised that the family’s withdrawal from public view is not rooted in any intention to defend Burke or insulate themselves from responsibility, but rather from a critical necessity to maintain their psychological welfare whilst confronting an unimaginable tragedy.
The Prosecutor’s Accusations
According to the evidence brief submitted by prosecutors, Burke is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste on 23 April 2025 at his rented residence in Hollywood Hills. The accusations levelled at him include murder in the first degree, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke’s motive for the killing was to conceal the sexual relationship he had pursued with Celeste when she was just 13 years old and he was a fully grown adult. The special circumstance allegations—including killing a witness and homicide motivated by money—carry the potential for capital punishment, though prosecutors have not yet determined whether to pursue the death penalty.
The allegations depict an profoundly disturbing portrayal of the purported offence. Prosecutors contend Burke stabbed Celeste to death, then remained present whilst she died from blood loss. They further allege that he later used a chainsaw to sever her body and acquired a “burn cage” with the intention of destroying the body to remove evidence of his crime. Burke, now 21 years old, has submitted a plea of not guilty to all charges. His defence attorney, Blair Berk, sought to prevent public release of the evidence brief, citing its lack of balance, though a Los Angeles judge ultimately authorised its publication.
A Timeline of Alleged Abuse and Deception
| Date | Alleged Event |
|---|---|
| When Celeste was 13 years old | D4vd allegedly initiates a sexual relationship with the minor whilst he is an adult |
| April 2025 | The relationship between Burke and Celeste continues, with prosecutors alleging ongoing sexual abuse |
| 23 April 2025 | Celeste is allegedly stabbed to death by Burke at his Hollywood Hills rental home |
| 23 April 2025 (following murder) | Burke allegedly stands by whilst Celeste bleeds to death without providing assistance |
| Shortly after 23 April 2025 | Burke allegedly uses a chainsaw to dismember Celeste’s body and purchases a “burn cage” to destroy evidence |
| Late April 2025 | Burke is arrested and charged with first-degree murder and related offences; prosecutors present evidence brief in court |
The series of occurrences alleged by prosecutors reveals a systematic approach of predatory behaviour spanning months or longer. What began as an illegal association between an adult musician and a minor evolved into a deadly offence purportedly carried out to stop a witness coming forward. Prosecutors argue that Burke’s conduct—from the initial grooming and abuse through to the alleged murder and attempted destruction of evidence—demonstrate a clear purpose to evade accountability for his wrongdoings towards a vulnerable young girl.
Regulatory Considerations and the Road Ahead
The charges Burke faces entail serious judicial repercussions that could result in the death penalty. Prosecutors have levied aggravating factor allegations such as murder of a witness and homicide committed for monetary benefit and lying in wait—each of which render him eligible for the death penalty. However, prosecutors have yet to reached a final decision regarding whether they will pursue this maximum penalty. The case is expected to proceed through the California courts, where the evidence submitted will be scrutinised by both the defence and prosecution over the coming months. Burke’s not guilty plea suggests his defence counsel will pursue a robust defence, though the specific charges set forth in the prosecution brief present substantial obstacles to challenging the charges.
The Rivas Hernandez family now confronts an prolonged court case as the case moves through the judicial system. Their lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, has emphasised that whilst the family initially considered speaking publicly after Burke’s arrest, the continuous disclosure of horrifying details has left them emotionally exhausted and in urgent need of privacy. The family continues to navigate their sorrow whilst handling daily commitments, including employment and financial obligations. Court cases could last for months or years, possibly extending their trauma as evidence is examined, testimonies are given, and judgements are delivered. The emotional toll on the family remains paramount, even as the criminal justice system seeks responsibility for Celeste’s death.
- Burke charged with murder in the first degree and continuous sexual abuse of a minor
- Aggravating circumstance claims make him eligible for the death penalty
- Prosecutors remain undecided whether to proceed with capital charges
- Defence attorney Blair Berk will challenge the evidence submitted by prosecutors
- Case expected to proceed through the California court system over an extended duration
The Burden on Those Left Behind
The Rivas Hernandez family has been thrust into a horrific situation from which there appears no escape. In a statement made on Friday, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, sought to dispel the vicious claims spreading online that the musician had paid the family to secure their silence or cooperation. “I never had any contact with this guy, and we haven’t received any money from him or anyone in his family,” Jesus stated firmly through the family’s legal representative. Such baseless speculation only compounds the family’s suffering during an already unbearable period, adding insult to the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister.
Family solicitor Patrick Steinfeld described the profound distress wrought by the prosecutors’ comprehensive legal document, which laid bare the appalling details of Celeste’s death. The disclosures—including allegations that Burke stabbed the teenager, remained present as she died from blood loss, and subsequently disposed of her remains—have left the whole family devastated. Steinfeld, with 37 years of courtroom practice, stated that notifying the family of these appalling revelations was “the hardest task” he had done in his entire career. The family now struggles to maintain daily routines whilst coming to terms with unimaginable grief, their need for privacy and healing becoming ever more pressing.