Parents Sue D4vd for Role in Daughter's Death and Alleged Abuse
Celeste Rivas Hernandez's parents sue musician D4vd over wrongful death and abuse claims.
Why it matters: This lawsuit highlights legal questions around artist responsibility and influence over vulnerable fans. It also casts a spotlight on mental health and exploitation issues in the music industry.
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found dismembered in D4vd's Tesla in 2025.
- D4vd, real name David Burke, was arrested and charged with murder and abuse in 2026.
- Lawsuit alleges wrongful death, sexual battery, and human trafficking against Burke, his management, and mother.
- The alleged abuse began when Celeste was 13 and continued until her death at 14.
On September 8, 2025, authorities discovered the dismembered remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in the trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, professionally known as musician D4vd, at a Hollywood tow yard. Burke, then 21, was arrested in April 2026 and charged with first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a corpse, according to Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported that Celeste died from multiple stab wounds to the abdomen and chest, with postmortem amputation of limbs and fingers, a detail confirmed in an official autopsy report.
Prosecutors state the sexual relationship between Burke and Celeste began in November 2023 when she was just 13 and persisted until her death in April 2025, intensifying scrutiny on the musician’s conduct and associated parties.
In September 2026, Celeste’s parents filed a lawsuit against Burke, his management, and his mother, claiming wrongful death, sexual battery, and human trafficking, alleging they should have been aware of Burke’s inappropriate behavior. For more, see Los Angeles Times coverage.
The case has sparked important discussions within the legal and music communities about the duty of care musicians and their teams owe vulnerable fans and the potential consequences of exploitation, especially involving minors.
By the numbers:
- 14 years old — Celeste Rivas Hernandez's age at death
- 21 years old — David Burke's age when charged
- November 2023 to April 2025 — Period of alleged sexual relationship
- September 8, 2025 — Date Celeste’s remains were found
Yes, but: Burke's defense attorneys maintain that he did not murder Celeste and deny he caused her death, highlighting an ongoing legal dispute.
What's next: While Burke is currently charged criminally, no court dates or trial timelines have been publicly disclosed as of now.