The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl from California whose death has shocked the nation, has firmly rejected online rumours suggesting that platinum-selling musician D4vd gave them cash to gain their trust or stay quiet. In a statement issued on Friday, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, categorically denied the speculation, stating he had never been in contact with the singer and that the family had not obtained any money from him or his relatives. The statement arrives days after prosecutors disclosed a disturbing account of how the teenager was reportedly killed 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 disclosure of deeply disturbing 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, stood by whilst she bled to death, and used a chainsaw to mutilate her body—have left the family in what Steinfeld described as “unfathomable pain.” Though initially urged to speak publicly after Burke’s arrest, the family has found it difficult to come to terms with the disturbing information surfacing regularly in court filings and media coverage.
Steinfeld stressed that the family’s quiet should not be seen as indifference or complicity, but rather as a typical response to overwhelming grief. “There are insufficient language to convey the profound suffering the family is going through currently,” he remarked. The attorney underscored that Celeste’s parents, brother, and sister remain engaged with their daily responsibilities—meeting financial commitments and going to work—whilst at the same time contending with the loss of a beloved child and sibling. The family has requested privacy and time to grieve, seeking respite from the persistent press scrutiny and the cascade of grisly details that continue to surface as the court case progresses.
- Jesus Rivas denied receiving funds from Burke or his family
- Attorney Steinfeld described informing the family as remarkably challenging
- Family members include parents Jesus and Mercedes, plus two elder brothers or sisters
- Prosecutors contend Burke killed Celeste to conceal sexual abuse
Startling Court Disclosures Rock Grieving Relatives
The Rivas Hernandez family’s grief intensified considerably this week when prosecutors revealed a chilling account of the claimed circumstances surrounding Celeste’s death. In a court submission made public on Wednesday, authorities set out appalling allegations against Burke, depicting premeditated violence and calculated concealment. The revelation of these disturbing details—each more troubling than the last—has deepened the family’s anguish at a time when they are already attempting to understand the loss of their dear daughter and sister. Attorney Steinfeld recognised that the unending stream of new and distressing details has made it nearly impossible for the family to find any semblance of peace or stability during their hardest time.
The cumulative impact of these findings has left the Rivas family in a condition of severe distress, despite their early readiness to interact with the media and public following Burke’s apprehension and judicial proceedings. What was designed as an opportunity to seek justice has instead turned into a distressing trial, with each legal filing and prosecution statement resurfacing trauma and requiring the family to re-experience the tragedy of their bereavement repeatedly. Steinfeld emphasised that the family’s withdrawal from public view is not rooted in any wish to shield Burke or protect themselves from accountability, but rather from a desperate need to protect their mental health whilst confronting an incomprehensible loss.
The Prosecutor’s Accusations
According to the evidence brief presented by prosecutors, Burke is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste on 23 April 2025 at his Hollywood Hills rental property. The accusations levelled at him include first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and illegal desecration of human remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke’s reason for committing the murder was to hide the sexual relationship he had engaged in with Celeste when she was just 13 years old and he was a fully grown adult. The special circumstance allegations—including murder of a witness and murder for financial gain—carry the possibility of capital punishment, though prosecutors have not yet determined whether to seek the death penalty.
The allegations depict an deeply troubling account of the claimed crime. Prosecutors contend Burke killed Celeste to death, then remained present whilst she died from blood loss. They additionally claim that he then used a chainsaw to dissect her body and obtained a “burn cage” with the aim of incinerating the remains to destroy evidence of his crime. Burke, now 21 years old, has submitted a plea of not guilty to all charges. His legal representative, Blair Berk, moved to restrict publication of the prosecution brief, pointing to its bias, though a Los Angeles judge ultimately permitted its publication.
A Timeline of Claimed Misconduct and Dishonesty
| 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 chain of incidents presented by prosecutors reveals a calculated pattern of predatory behaviour lasting several months or more. What commenced as an illegal association between an adult musician and a minor evolved into a lethal act reportedly perpetrated to stop a witness coming forward. Prosecutors maintain that Burke’s conduct—from the initial grooming and abuse through to the purported killing and effort to destroy evidence—demonstrate a clear purpose to escape consequences for his crimes against a vulnerable young girl.
Regulatory Considerations and Future Prospects
The allegations Burke confronts entail serious judicial repercussions that could result in capital punishment. Prosecutors have brought special circumstance allegations such as killing a witness and murder for financial gain and lying in wait—each of which render him eligible for the capital sanction. However, prosecutors have yet to reached a final decision concerning whether they will pursue this maximum penalty. The case is expected to progress through the California courts, where the evidence submitted will be examined 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 detailed allegations set forth in the evidence brief pose significant challenges to contesting the allegations.
The Rivas Hernandez family now confronts an prolonged court case as the case progresses through the judicial system. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, has emphasised that whilst the family initially considered going public after Burke’s arrest, the relentless emergence of horrifying details has left them emotionally exhausted and desperate for privacy. The family keeps managing their sorrow whilst managing daily commitments, including employment and financial obligations. Legal proceedings could last for months or years, potentially prolonging their trauma as evidence undergoes review, witness statements are heard, and verdicts are reached. The emotional toll on the family remains paramount, even as the courts seeks responsibility for Celeste’s death.
- Burke charged with first-degree murder and ongoing sexual exploitation of a minor
- Special circumstance allegations render him eligible for the death penalty
- Prosecutors remain undecided whether to proceed with capital charges
- Defence attorney Blair Berk will dispute the evidence submitted by prosecutors
- Case anticipated to move forward through the California court system over extended timeframe
The Impact on Those Remaining
The Rivas Hernandez family has been trapped in a terrible ordeal from which there appears no escape. In a statement made on Friday, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, sought to dispel the false accusations spreading online that the musician had compensated the family to secure their silence or cooperation. “I never had any contact with this guy, and we have not received any money from him or anyone in his family,” Jesus said clearly through the family’s legal representative. Such unfounded claims only worsens the family’s distress during an already devastating period, intensifying the heartbreaking loss of their dear daughter and sister.
Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld described the profound distress caused by the prosecution’s comprehensive legal document, which exposed the horrifying circumstances of Celeste’s death. The revelations—including allegations that Burke stabbed the teenager, remained present as she died from blood loss, and subsequently disposed of her remains—have left the entire family reeling. Steinfeld, with 37 years of courtroom practice, stated that notifying the family of these grotesque details was “the most difficult thing” he had done in his entire career. The family now finds it difficult to sustain daily routines whilst coming to terms with profound loss, their requirement for privacy and healing becoming ever more pressing.