The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is calling for the harshest possible punishment if D4vd is convicted in the 14-year-old’s death.
With the murder case against the singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, moving toward trial, Celeste’s family has publicly voiced support for the death penalty.
The family made the comments ahead of what would have been Celeste’s 16th birthday.
“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,” the family said, according to TMZ.
The family also said the ultimate outcome rests with “God” and the California justice system.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to the murder allegation and remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A judge ruled in July that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial, moving the case closer to a courtroom showdown.
The case has attracted intense attention because of Celeste’s age and Burke’s profile as a recording artist.
Meanwhile, Burke’s legal team has undergone a major change ahead of trial. His private attorneys withdrew from the case, leaving a public defender to represent him.
Another major question remains on the prosecution side: whether Burke could face capital punishment.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has confirmed that prosecutors could seek the death penalty, but his office has not announced whether it will actually pursue that sentence.
That distinction is crucial. For now, the death penalty is a potential sentencing option, not a punishment prosecutors have formally announced they will seek.
If prosecutors pursue capital punishment, the decision could become a major issue as the case advances through the courts.
For Celeste’s family, however, their position is already clear: they support the maximum punishment available if Burke is ultimately convicted.
The coming proceedings will now put the prosecution’s evidence under scrutiny while Burke’s defense prepares to fight the murder allegation.
For now, the death penalty remains only a possibility. The verdict — and any eventual sentence — will depend on what happens in court.
