The family of a 14-year-old California girl whose remains were found in the trunk of singer D4vd's Tesla said "all we want is justice" in their first public statement.
Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez remembered their daughter, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, as "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," they said in a joint statement via their attorney. "We miss her deeply."
The parents thanked the Los Angeles Police Department and the district attorney's office for their help working the case.
"We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support," they said.
The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was charged Monday in Celeste's murder. He was arrested last week.
He had pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have vowed to fight the charges.
Celeste’s body was found Sept. 8 in the trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla at Hollywood Tow after officers received a call about a foul odor coming from the vehicle. The remains had been dismembered and put into bags, according to court filings associated with a grand jury investigation. Her cause of death has not been made public.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that detectives learned that Burke had been involved in a sexual relationship with Celeste, a runaway from Riverside. A criminal complaint alleges that the sexual abuse occurred “on or between” September 7, 2023, and September 7, 2024.”
The district attorney said that Burke killed the teen in an effort to maintain his career and that she was a witness to the lewd and lascivious sexual acts allegation being levied against the singer.
