The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have made a public appeal for prosecutors to seek capital punishment against D4vd if he is convicted in connection with their daughter’s death. The teenager would have celebrated her 16th birthday on Monday. In a statement released to media, the family expressed their belief that the death penalty would be appropriate given the nature of the alleged crimes, describing the defendant as someone “devoid of feelings and emptiness inside.”
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he sexually abused the minor before killing her and dismembering her remains. According to the charges, he concealed evidence in the trunk of his Tesla. Burke recently dismissed his legal representation and retained a public defender, which has delayed decisions regarding potential sentencing recommendations.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated openness to pursuing capital punishment in extreme cases, reversing previous policy that categorically prohibited such charges. The state of California has not carried out an execution since 2006, and Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide reprieve on all executions in 2019. Nevertheless, Hochman stated that capital punishment would be considered only in exceptionally rare murder cases following thorough review.
The Rivas Hernandez family acknowledged that while they advocate for maximum penalties, the ultimate decision rests with the justice system and higher powers.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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