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Parents Sue D4vd for Wrongful Death of Teen in Drug Trafficking Case
Confirmed
In Short: The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have filed a lawsuit against D4vd, alleging wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault.
The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have filed a lawsuit against D4vd, alleging wrongful death, false imprisonment, and childhood sexual assault. According to the complaint, D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, manipulated their daughter and killed her when she threatened to reveal their illegal relationship. The parents claim that Burke dismembered her body and concealed it for over four months.
In November 2023, Burke contacted Hernandez online, leading to a series of events that culminated in her death. The lawsuit alleges that Burke provided her with money, food, shelter, designer gifts, and travel, all in exchange for sexual acts, which satisfied the commercial-sex-act element of human trafficking. The parents argue that Burke's actions amounted to human trafficking and that he killed Hernandez when she threatened to expose their illegal relationship.
The case has garnered attention due to the involvement of D4vd, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. According to reports, Burke was found guilty of drug trafficking and rape, crimes that do not justify the use of the death penalty under international law and standards, according to a 2025 Amnesty International report. The parents have called for prosecutors to seek the death penalty in Burke's case.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge in connection with Hernandez's death. His lawyer has stated that they will appeal the death sentence, as reported by the BBC. The case highlights the complex and often tragic consequences of exploitation and abuse, particularly in cases involving minors and celebrities.
Amnesty International's report, which was released in 2025, revealed that there were 492 death sentences in the course of the year, with 23 of those being carried out. The report criticizes the use of the death penalty for crimes that do not involve intentional killing, as was the case with Burke's conviction. The parents' lawsuit underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the use of the death penalty and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
What's still developing
- Sarah Khalifa is best known for her TV programme Mission Impossible which dealt with crime issues Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other people have been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of drugs charges.
- However, it was only confirmed a month later after the court obtained a religious opinion from the grand mufti of Egypt - a legal requirement in death sentence cases.
- The parents in their complaint say on April 22, 2025, the pair argued over text about Burke dating other women.
- Burke then took a series of steps to conceal the death, according to her family.
- He placed the remains in his vehicle and left it on a nearby street, where it was discovered Sept. 8, 2025 — over four months from the death, the parents say.
- At the time, the district attorney said he was weighing whether to seek the death penalty.
- LOS ANGELES (CN) — The parents of a girl authorities say was murdered by the musician known as D4vd have sued the performer over claims including sexual battery and human trafficking.