The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is stepping forward as the criminal case tied to her death moves into its next phase, making clear they intend to be actively involved when D4vd appears in court.
Los Angeles Magazine’s Lauren Conlin reports that through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, the relatives of the 14-year-old said they are formally asserting their rights under California’s Marsy’s Law, a measure that allows victims and their families to take part in proceedings and remain informed throughout the legal process. The move comes just ahead of the expected arraignment of D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), who was arrested earlier this week and is currently being held without bail.
According to Steinfeld, Rivas Hernandez’s family plans to attend both the court appearance and a press briefing from prosecutors (both likely, but not yet confirmed, to be happening on Monday), and will comment afterward.
“Out of respect for the District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD Robbery Homicide investigation into Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death, the family has chosen not to make any public statement until after David Anthony Burke is arraigned and the District Attorney concludes their press conference. However, the family will make their first public statement outside the courthouse following the DA’s press conference,” said Steinfeld in a statement.
The case traces back to September 2025, when authorities recovered Celeste’s remains from a Tesla registered to D4vd. Details surrounding the case have remained limited, with key records still sealed and officials offering few updates publicly.
Even so, the singer’s arrest marked a turning point for the family, who had been waiting for movement in the case. In a brief message shared through their attorney, Celeste’s father expressed relief following the development.
“Thank God…justice for Celeste,” he is quoted as saying, per Steinfeld’s statement.
