Celeste Rivas’ family remembered her on what would have been her 16th birthday on Monday.
The 14-year-old girl’s body was found dismembered a year ago, with a medical examiner later determining that she had been murdered in April 2025. The D4vd singer has been charged with her murder and is currently awaiting trial, although he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Rivas’ family told the story TMZ in a statement shared through attorney Patrick Steinfeld on September 7: “Today we are experiencing so many emotions.”
They said they honored Rivas by praying and singing Happy Birthday while reminiscing about the late teen.
Their emotions were described as “feelings that only a mother, father and siblings can truly understand.”
The loved ones of Rivas – who recently spoke out in favor of the death penalty for D4vd – added that they spend the day with heavy hearts, saying they will “always remember every moment and every good time” they shared with “Celestita.”
Celeste Rivas’ family remembered her on what would have been her 16th birthday on Monday
Rivas’ family told TMZ in a statement shared through attorney Patrick Steinfeld on September 7: “Today we are experiencing so many emotions.”
The outlet reported that flowers, balloons and toys were placed on Rivas’ grave in Los Angeles in honor of her milestone birthday.
It comes after her family said they support the death penalty for 21-year-old D4vd if he is convicted of her murder.
Her family said this in a statement to the newspaper New York Post: ‘If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for these kinds of people, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience, who have only caused pain to our daughter, our family and the world that supports our precious daughter.
“But that is not in our hands, but rather in God’s and the California justice system.”
The decision on whether to pursue the death penalty will be made by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
The music artist, real name David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to Rivas’ murder, as well as allegations of child sexual abuse and mutilation in connection with her death.
His lawyers withdrew from his case last week Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter told the judge overseeing the trial that they could no longer represent the singer.
“This morning, the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office after determining that David was eligible for appointment as counsel,” they said in a statement to TMZ.
Singer D4vd has been accused of Rivas’ murder and is currently awaiting trial; pictured in March 2025
Rivas’ father Jesus (L) and lawyer Patrick Steinfeld (R) pictured in March
The 14-year-old girl’s body was found in pieces a year ago, with a medical examiner later determining that she had been murdered in April 2025; a memorial pictured outside Rivas’ home on Lake Elsinore in April 2026
“We continue to support David and his defense against these serious allegations,” the attorneys continued.
“We are grateful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has assumed representation and that David has a highly skilled and dedicated team of attorneys and investigators behind him.”
In a statement to the LA Times, LA County Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel said: “We recognize the loss of life underlying the charges and extend our condolences to those who are grieving.
“At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and examines the evidence carefully. We are committed to providing him with that defense.”
Police say the vehicle in which Rovas’ remains were found at a tow lot was registered to D4vd’s Texas address.
The star was suspected of the murder in November 2025 and was arrested in April 2026.
