Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family is honouring the slain teenager on what would have been her 16th birthday.
As reported by TMZ, the 16-year-old’s family member said in a statement shared through attorney Patrick Steinfeld on September 7, “Today we are experiencing so many emotions.”
They marked the occasion by praying for Rivas, singing “Happy Birthday” and reflecting on memories of her.
Their emotions were described as “feelings only a mother, father, and siblings can truly understand.”
Rivas’ family, who recently spoke in favour of the death penalty for D4vd, said they are facing the day with heavy hearts and will “always remember every moment and every good time” they shared with “Celestita.”
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family statement for the death penalty for rapper D4vd
Notably, this special tribute for Celeste came after her family shared a statement calling for the death penalty for rapper D4vd should he be found guilty of her alleged murder.
“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,” Rivas’ family said in a statement shared with the California Post.
“But that’s not in our hands, but rather in God’s, and the California justice system,” the family added.
The choice of whether to pursue capital punishment rests with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
D4vd murder case
Rivas’ dismembered remains were found one year ago, and a medical examiner later concluded that she had been killed in April 2025.
D4vd has since been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial, having pleaded not guilty.
According to police, the vehicle containing Rivas’ remains was registered to D4vd’s Texas address and was found at a tow yard.
He became a suspect in the teenager’s killing in November 2025 before being arrested in April 2026.
