D4vd murder case: Family demands death penalty and wrongful death suit
The high-profile legal battle surrounding musician D4vd has taken a dramatic turn as the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has escalated their demands, calling for the singer to face the death penalty and filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) faces serious criminal charges stemming from the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege that Burke murdered the girl and dismembered her body using a chainsaw in his garage after purchasing the necessary tools online. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, fighting against the prosecution’s claims of lethal violence.
The legal fallout extends far beyond the murder charge. In a separate and expansive lawsuit, the Hernandez family is accusing D4vd, along with his associates and management, of wrongful death, battery, sexual battery, childhood sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The complaint details allegations that Burke engaged in human trafficking of Hernandez, specifically by causing or inducing her to engage in commercial sex acts. The filing claims that gifts, money, and promises of future marriage were provided in exchange for these acts, emphasizing that because the victim was a minor, consent is irrelevant to the claims.
The lawsuit names several entities and individuals as co-defendants, including D4vd’s managers, Josh Marshall and Robert Morgenroth, their company Mogul Vision, and the live-in security guard, Sheldon Jacques. The filing further alleges that these entities and management provided or facilitated the residence, transportation, and security that allowed Burke to isolate Hernandez from her family.
The suit also targets D4vd’s mother, Colleen Burke, who is named for her role in funding arrangements and hosting the minor in the residence where the alleged acts occurred. The complaint contends that these defendants, through their agents and funds, failed to take reasonable steps to protect the minor, alleging they knew or should have known about Burke’s dangerous tendencies toward sexual exploitation.
The gravity of the case was brought into sharp focus during a preliminary hearing in July, where prosecutors presented graphic photographic evidence. The court also heard testimony from a homicide detective, who detailed the post-mortem activities, including the alleged purchase of a body bag and chainsaws online in the days following the victim’s death.
Evidence presented included text messages between D4vd and Hernandez, which were read aloud, suggesting the teenager was pregnant and had undergone an abortion more than a year before her death. The court also showed distressing images, as the victim’s remains were reportedly shown to be unrecognizable.
Amidst the turmoil, D4vd’s legal team sought counsel from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to represent him, emphasizing their commitment to defending his case against these serious charges.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
