In brief
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a vibrant young girl on the verge of her teenage years, was found dead in early 2024, sparking a wave of grief across her small community in Lake Elsinore, California. As the family calls for justice, revelations about her life and tragic end unfold, including her connection to musician D4vd, who has since faced legal repercussions for her murder. Residents recall her warmth and the stark contrast between her family’s humble background and the life of the accused.
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) — Just down the road from Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s house is the high school she would have attended, where a slew of college flags show the schools chosen by students after they left sleepy Lake Elsinore in Southern California.
Rivas Hernandez did not live long enough to study there. She was killed before her 15th birthday, with an autopsy report released Wednesday noting she still had braces at the time of her death.
Her brief life unfolded in this unassuming community with a population of more than 70,000 and a sprawling lake at the center of town that is home to a lively water sports scene.
Almost eight months have passed since her decomposed and dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke. The 21-year-old musician has been charged with first-degree murder along with other offenses in relation to her death and his connection to Rivas Hernandez. He pleaded not guilty this week.
Little is known about teen’s relationship with singer
Little is known about how the young girl entered Burke’s orbit or what their relationship was like. She grew up roughly 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the Hollywood Hills rental home where Burke lived and near where his car was abandoned with her body inside.
The community is rallying around Rivas Hernandez’s family amid the tragedy. Neighbors described her as a “normal girl” who loved to sing and dance.
“Every Friday night was movie night, and we spent wonderful times together,” her parents expressed in a statement through their attorney. “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.”
The memorial honoring Hernandez showcases the impact of her loss on the community, with flowers and messages expressing love and sorrow. Katie Favreau, a local business owner, described the community as “tight-knit and supportive,” reflecting on the shared grief following Rivas Hernandez’s shocking murder.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Celeste's death continues, as the town remembers the young girl whose light was tragically extinguished too soon.
