The attorney for the family of Celeste Rivas, the 14-year-old who was allegedly brutally murdered and dismembered by singer D4vd, shared an emotional statement on behalf of her family after her cause of death was revealed.
“The Rivas Hernandez family is absolutely devastated by the findings contained in the Medical Examiner’s Report involving the horrible and gruesome death of their beloved daughter,” wrote Patrick Steinfeld, a lawyer for the family in a statement issued Wednesday.
“These findings have caused profound emotional pain for the family. They respectfully ask for privacy, understanding, and patience as they process this information,” Steinfeld added. “The Rivas Hernandez family sincerely appreciates the community’s support and concern.”
The slain teen’s parents, Jesus and Mercedes, will not attend a hearing scheduled tomorrow for D4vd, real name David Burke, Steinfeld said.
D4vd was arrested for Rivas’ murder on Thursday, seven months after her dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla linked to the singer at a tow yard where workers noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle.
Burke was officially charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances — murder of a witness to an investigation, murder for financial gain and lying in wait — Monday in an announcement made by LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
The singer also faces charges of lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old, and mutilating a body.
Prosecutors added the murder for financial gain circumstance because they believe D4vd thought allegations of sexual relations with a minor could derail his music career.
The special circumstance of murder of a witness to an investigation is because Rivas was a witness in the lewd and lascivious investigation.
The Los Angeles County Corner’s Office revealed on Wednesday that Rivas died from “multiple penetrating injuries” in her alleged killing by the singer in April.
“After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo.
It took investigators several months to determine the cause and manner of death because the body was badly decomposed when it was discovered, investigators say.
Rivas’ parents broke their silence on the alleged crime in a statement issued by Steinfeld Tuesday.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” her parents said.
Burke’s lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, released a statement following the arrest.
“The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” they said in a joint statement. “We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
