The parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez released their first public statement on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, just one day after singer and songwriter D4vd was formally charged in connection with their daughter’s death. The statement, delivered through their attorney, offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the family’s love for Celeste while expressing gratitude to investigators and the community that has rallied around them.

Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez, a vibrant girl from Lake Elsinore, California, who loved singing, dancing, and weekly family movie nights, was last seen alive in April 2025 when she reportedly went to the Hollywood Hills home of David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old artist known professionally as D4vd. Her badly decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025 — one day after what would have been her 15th birthday — inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke.

On Monday, April 20, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Burke with one count of first-degree murder with multiple special circumstances, including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness to another crime. He also faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Celeste after she threatened to expose repeated lewd and lascivious acts he had committed with her. The murder is said to have occurred around April 23, 2025, and involved the use of a sharp instrument.

Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment and remains held without bail. His attorneys have strongly denied the allegations, stating that evidence will show he did not cause Celeste’s death.

In their statement, Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, shared tender memories of their daughter while thanking those who have supported the search for answers.

“We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work,” the statement read. “We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support. Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”

The family had planned to deliver the statement in person on Monday following Burke’s first court appearance but were overwhelmed by emotion, according to their attorney Patrick Steinfeld. Their words reflect both profound grief and a quiet determination to see the case through the justice system.

The investigation spanned more than seven months, involving a grand jury and extensive forensic work. Authorities described the case as “a parent’s worst nightmare,” highlighting the alleged sexual relationship between the adult musician and the underage girl, followed by the brutal disposal of her remains in a vehicle linked directly to him.

Celeste’s disappearance and the gruesome discovery of her body in Burke’s Tesla sent shockwaves through the music industry and the Lake Elsinore community. D4vd, who had gained popularity with his alt-pop sound and even created a track used in Fortnite, saw his rising career come under intense scrutiny as details emerged.

The special circumstances attached to the murder charge could potentially expose Burke to the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted. The continuous sexual abuse charge underscores prosecutors’ claim that the relationship was not isolated but part of an ongoing pattern of exploitation.

For the Rivas Hernandez family, the charges represent a critical step toward accountability, yet they also reopen the wound of losing a beloved daughter in such a horrific manner. Their statement emphasizes the ordinary joys Celeste brought to their lives — Friday movie nights, her passion for music and dance — painting a portrait of a lively teenager whose future was stolen.

Community support has been overwhelming, with locals in Lake Elsinore rallying to remember Celeste and push for answers. The family’s thanks to investigators highlights the long hours and dedication that finally led to formal charges after months of silence from authorities.

As the legal process moves forward, the case raises broader questions about the vulnerabilities faced by young fans drawn into the orbit of rising celebrities, the challenges of investigating cases involving decomposed remains, and the importance of swift action when minors are reported missing or at risk.

Celeste’s story has touched many who never knew her personally, sparking conversations about child safety, grooming, and the responsibilities of public figures. Her family’s simple yet powerful plea — “All we want is justice for Celeste” — now echoes as the case heads toward trial.

In the midst of unimaginable loss, the Rivas Hernandez family has shown strength and grace. Their first public words serve as both a loving tribute to their daughter and a call for the system to deliver the accountability they desperately seek. As Burke maintains his innocence, the coming months will determine whether justice can begin to heal even a fraction of the pain left behind.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez will be remembered not for the tragic way her life ended, but for the beautiful, strong girl who lit up movie nights and dreamed of singing and dancing. Her family’s love for her remains unwavering, and their demand for justice now carries the weight of an entire community standing behind them.