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Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family shared an emotional message for the first time since D4vd was charged with the teen's murder.
On Tuesday, April 21, the family of the 14-year-old victim shared a joint statement after Celeste's loved ones attended singer D4vd's arraignment earlier this week. In it, they thank the authorities and the people of their hometown, Lake Elinore, for helping to bring justice for the young girl.
"Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance," the family wrote, per ABC7. "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 added. "We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."
Celeste's family was supposed to address the media during a press conference outside the courthouse, but they canceled it. They had been vocal about the teen's disappearance since she went missing in April 2025. The District Attorney's Office of Los Angeles County alleged Celeste was sexually abused by the 21-year-old D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, since she was 13. Prosecutors listed her 13th birthday through her 14th birthday as the dates when Burke engaged in sexual encounters with the young girl, though the abuse could've lasted longer. They argued that Celeste went missing from her home in Lake Elinore after she went to see Burke in Los Angeles.
In the indictment filed on Monday, prosecutors suggested Celeste may have threatened to expose her relationship with Burke, which allegedly prompted him to silence her. They alleged Burke invited her to his home in Hollywood Hills, where he stabbed her with a "sharp instrument." They also claim he waited until May 5 to drive her out to a remote location in Santa Barbara County, where he allegedly mutilated her body and placed the pieces in two separate bags. He allegedly kept the bags in the front trunk of his Tesla for four months until they were discovered at an impound lot in Hollywood.
Burke was arrested last week before charges were filed by the D.A.'s office. He was charged with first-degree murder, mutilating a body, and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14. He is currently being held at the L.A. County Men's Central Jail without bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested a preliminary hearing. Following the news about D4vd's arrest, an attorney for Celeste's father revealed that her dad's first reaction was "Thank God ... justice for Celeste."