The name Celeste Rivas Hernandez has become known across the country due to a tragic and horrifying crime. In the spring of 2025, the 14-year-old from Lake Elsinore, California, was allegedly murdered and dismembered by singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), a case that has since gripped the nation. As the legal proceedings against Burke continue, with a possible death sentence on the table, many have wondered about the family left behind to grapple with this unimaginable loss.
At the center of this grief are Celeste’s parents, who have been identified publicly as Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez. They are first-generation immigrants from El Salvador who have lived in the Lake Elsinore area. While they have largely remained out of the public eye, their identities and their profound heartbreak have come to light through official statements and court proceedings.
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Who Are Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Parents?
Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, and her mother, Mercedes Martinez, are private individuals who have been thrust into an unbearable spotlight. They are described as hardworking people who are now navigating a parent’s worst nightmare. In a rare public statement released through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, Celeste’s parents shared a touching glimpse into their family life, remembering their daughter as “a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance”. They also fondly recalled their family traditions, noting that “Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together“.
The family’s background as immigrants from El Salvador adds another layer to their story. They came to the United States seeking a better life, and their daughter Celeste was a first-generation American. In the wake of the tragedy, Jesus Rivas has had to publicly address and deny baseless rumors that the family had any contact with Burke or received money from him, stating firmly, “I never had any contact with this guy, and we haven’t received any money from him or anyone in his family“.
The Family’s Ordeal and Public Statements
The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have faced not only the loss of their daughter but also a painful and public scrutiny. In April 2024, when Celeste was 13, she ran away from home, leading to an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office into her guardians for alleged child neglect and abuse. However, after a thorough investigation, deputies found no evidence to support the allegations, and they were ultimately cleared.
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As the case against D4vd progressed, Celeste’s parents have been vocal about their quest for justice. After Burke was charged with first-degree murder, the family released a statement through their attorney expressing their gratitude for the work of law enforcement. Their message was simple and heartbreaking: “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“. Their attorney has described the family as being in “unfathomable pain” and “indescribable pain,” reeling from the “gruesome details” of the allegations against Burke.
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As they continue to grieve, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez remain the voices of their daughter, demanding accountability and fighting to ensure her memory is honored.
