Featured Image Credit: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Topics: Crime, US News, News, Entertainment, Music
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Crime, US News, News, Entertainment, Music
The family of murdered teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez issued a statement a day after rap star D4vd was charged with her death.
The 14-year-old's remains were discovered by Los Angeles police inside the trunk of a Tesla car owned by the musician in September, after receiving reports of a 'foul odour' being emitted from inside.
The vehicle had been transferred to a Hollywood tow yard in the weeks prior, after being discovered abandoned in an upscale neighbourhood in the hills.
Rivas had disappeared from her home in Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024, aged 13.
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Her body was identified by her wavy black hair and a 'Shh' finger tattoo.
LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams subsequently told PEOPLE that the vehicle 'had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks'.
"It is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered," he added.
LAPD confirmed on 16 April that they'd arrested D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, in connection with Rivas' death.
Four days later, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed the musician had been charged with first-degree murder, along with several other grievances, including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain and murdering a witness to an investigation.
Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, Rivas' mother and father, have since released a statement via their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld.
"We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their hard work," the heartbroken pair began. "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."
The couple continued: "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."
According to Steinfeld, Rivas' parents had wanted to deliver their emotional statement following D4vd's first court appearance, but postponed it after receiving a security threat.
The rapper pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on 20 April, which quickly followed his arrest. He was denied bail.
D4vd's attorneys’ request for a preliminary hearing on 23 April was granted, however.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by friends of the family. The description reads of Rivas: "She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated."
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, aged 13, is reported missing by her family from Lake Elsinore, California. It is the third time she is reported missing that year, but tragically, she is never seen by her parents again.
D4vd’s debut album Withered is released. It debuts at No. 13 on the Billboard chart, with 30,000 units sold in the first week. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that 80 per cent of the album was made on his phone, and he recorded vocal takes in his sister’s closet.
D4vd begins a world tour, starting with a gig in Del Mar, California.
Celeste’s severely decomposed body is found in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to D4vd. D4vd’s representatives say he is cooperating with the investigation.
D4vd performs as planned at The Fillmore Minneapolis, despite the ongoing investigation around Celeste’s death.
Celeste’s family create a fundraiser and release a statement, which reads: “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.” More than £24,000 is raised for them.
D4vd cancels the rest of his world tour, and the deluxe version of his debut album is not released as planned.
The Los Angeles medical examiners officer receives a court order preventing any details of Hernandez’s death from being released to the public.
D4vd is arrested and held without bail.
D4vd is charged with first-degree murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain and murdering a witness to an investigation.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].