‘All we want is justice.’ Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s parents issue first statement

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose remains were found in the trunk of singer D4vd’s vehicle, broke their silence on Tuesday to express their gratitude to the community and investigators.

“We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work,” a statement by Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, the girl’s parents, said. “We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support.”

The statement, which was sent on behalf of the girl’s parents via their attorney, went on to speak about the late teenager.

“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance,” the statement continued. “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.”

According to their lawyer, the family intended to deliver that statement to the media on Monday following D4vd’s first court appearance. However, concerns for their safety arose after a bomb threat was received, according to Patrick Steinfeld, the family’s lawyer.

“They were intimidated by the onslaught of reporters and the aggressiveness of some camera people,” Steinfeld said in a statement, adding that the girl’s relatives are “very private individuals.”

“They were devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke’s arraignment,” Steinfeld continued. He also described the family as “exhausted, emotionally drained, and needed time to compose themselves,” following the singer’s arraignment.

The murder suspect is expected to make a court appearance on Monday.

D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with Hernandez’s death. The girl’s body was found in the trunk of his impounded vehicle on Sept. 8, 2025, while he was on tour. Burke was arrested on April 16 in connection with the case.

The suspect pleaded not guilty on Monday at his arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.