Parents of Slain Teen Celeste Rivas Demand Justice in First Public Statement
The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle registered to musician D4vd, have issued their first public statement, passionately calling for justice. Through their attorneys, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, the family expressed gratitude to law enforcement while mourning their beloved daughter.
Family's Emotional Tribute to Celeste
In a statement provided to NBC Los Angeles, the family began by thanking the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their diligent efforts. They also extended appreciation to the community of Lake Elsinore for their overwhelming support during this tragic time.
The family paid a heartfelt tribute to Celeste, describing her as "a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance." They reminisced about cherished family traditions, stating, "Every Friday 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."
Delayed Statement Due to Safety Concerns and Emotional Trauma
According to the family's attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, the statement was originally scheduled for release following Monday's court hearing where D4vd pleaded not guilty. However, the plans were postponed due to significant safety concerns after an alleged bomb threat was reported.
Additionally, the family was "devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out" during the hearing. Steinfeld explained they had been "exhausted, emotionally drained, and needed time to compose themselves" before addressing the public.
Alleged Motive Behind the Murder
District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed that D4vd allegedly murdered Celeste "when she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career." The prosecutor detailed that Burke allegedly murdered her, dismembered her body, and placed the remains in two bags inside the front trunk of his car.
Hochman stated that Celeste's mutilated corpse remained rotting for approximately four months before discovery. He emphasized, "This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste's loved ones: we will get the justice you seek and deserve."
Investigation Details and Legal Charges
The vehicle involved, a Tesla registered to Burke in Texas, had been parked on a street in the upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood for about a month before being towed. Investigators believe Celeste's remains may have been in the front trunk for a significantly longer period.
Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell explained that "the condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner's ability to determine cause of death." He added that "the substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared."
D4vd currently faces multiple serious charges:
- One count of first-degree murder
- One count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14
- One count of unlawful mutilation of human remains
Burke has been ordered to appear in court again on Thursday and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
