Celeste Rivas's family honor slain teen on what would have been her 16th birthday… after calling for her accused murderer D4VD to face death penalty

The family of Celeste Rivas remembered her on what would have been her 16th birthday on Monday.

The 14-year-old girl's body was found dismembered one year ago, with a medical examiner later determining she was killed in April 2025. The singer D4vd has been charged with her murder and is currently awaiting trial, though he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Rivas's family told TMZ in a statement shared through attorney Patrick Steinfeld on September 7: 'Today we are experiencing so many emotions.'

They said they're honoring Rivas by praying and singing Happy Birthday while recounting memories of the late teenager. 

Their emotions were described as 'feelings only a mother, father, and siblings can truly understand.'

Rivas's loved ones – who recently spoke out in favor of the death penalty for D4vd – added that they're moving through the day with a heavy heart and said they will 'always remember every moment and every good time' they shared with 'Celestita.'

The outlet reported that flowers, balloons and toys were placed on Rivas's grave in Los Angeles to honor her milestone birthday.

It comes after her family said they support the death penalty for D4vd, 21, if he is convicted of her murder.

Her family said in a statement to the New York Post: 'If the death penalty were activated, it would be perfect for this kind of human being, devoid of feelings and emptiness inside, and without conscience, who only caused pain to our daughter, our family, and the world that supports our precious daughter.

'But that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s, and the California justice system.'

The decision of whether to implement 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's murder, as well as charges of child sex abuse and mutilation in connection with her death. 

His attorneys withdrew from his case last week, with Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter telling the judge overseeing the trial that they could no longer represent the singer.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 Public Defender's Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel,' they said in a statement to TMZ. 

'We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,' the lawyers continued. 

'We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed 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 allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. 

'At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense.'

Police say the vehicle where Rovas's remains were found in a tow yard was registered to D4vd's address in Texas.

The star was named a suspect in her killing in November 2025, and arrested in April 2026.