Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s parents are taking their accusations against D4vd beyond the criminal case already headed toward trial. Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the singer, while also naming members of his business and personal circle whom they accuse of enabling his alleged relationship with their daughter.
The complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and seeks damages from D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, as well as his companies, managers, mother, and a security guard who allegedly lived at his Hollywood Hills home. According to the Los Angeles Times, the family claims those around Burke knew or should have known about his relationship with Celeste and helped provide the housing and transportation that allowed it to continue.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty in the separate criminal case. Prosecutors accuse him of killing Celeste on April 23, 2025, when she was 14, after she allegedly threatened to expose their sexual relationship. Her dismembered remains were discovered nearly five months later in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that she died from multiple penetrating injuries and ruled the death a homicide.
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Celeste Rivas’s Lawsuit Extends Beyond D4vd
The civil complaint largely tracks allegations prosecutors presented during Burke’s preliminary hearing, but it places additional scrutiny on the people and companies surrounding him. The lawsuit alleges that Burke began a sexual relationship with Celeste in November 2023, when she was 13, and continued seeing her despite a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy allegedly informing him that she was underage.
Celeste’s parents accuse management company Mogul Vision of leasing Burke’s home and arranging security there. The lawsuit also names his mother, Colleen Burke, alleging she ran one of his companies. Finance manager Robert Mogenroth is accused of approving payments connected to Burke’s lifestyle and travel. Mogul Vision and Mogenroth have previously denied knowing about Burke and Celeste's relationship.
Security guard Sheldon Jacques is also named in the complaint. The family alleges he lived at the home and helped transport Celeste. Along with wrongful death, the lawsuit includes claims involving sexual abuse of a minor and negligence against defendants the family believes bear civil responsibility for what happened.
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The lawsuit arrives one year after Celeste’s remains were found on Sept. 8, 2025. Her family has also publicly urged Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to seek the death penalty if Burke is convicted, although Hochman has not announced whether prosecutors will pursue capital punishment.
Burke replaced his private attorneys with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office at his Aug. 31 arraignment and again pleaded not guilty. He remains jailed without bail. His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19, while a trial date has not yet been formally set.
