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The parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández have filed a civil lawsuit accusing singer D4vd — born David Anthony Burke — of causing their daughter’s death and of a pattern of abuse that led to her alleged murder. Court papers describe a complex scheme of manipulation, control and violence that the family says involved others in Burke’s orbit.
Details of the claims against D4vd
The complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, paints a stark picture of alleged crimes and exploitation. The suit accuses Burke of wrongful death, sexual abuse of a minor, battery, false imprisonment and trafficking. It further alleges that Burke used gifts, money and promises to coerce the girl into sexual acts described as commercial.
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- The plaintiffs say Burke supplied material benefits — including money, designer items, travel and a ring — to secure the teen’s compliance.
- The complaint also alleges the relationship was sexual and that the victim was isolated from her family.
- Burke is additionally accused of killing and dismembering Celeste; the civil filing reiterates those grave allegations while seeking damages.
Other people and companies named in the suit
Parents Mercedes Martinez and Jesus Rivas named several co-defendants alongside Burke. The list includes his managers, a security guard, family members and business entities tied to the singer.
- Managers: Josh Marshall and Robert Morgenroth, plus their company Mogul Vision.
- Corporate entities: Burke’s publishing and merchandising companies.
- Security: Live-in guard Sheldon Jacques.
- Family: Burke’s mother, Colleen Burke.
Alleged roles of co-defendants
The complaint assigns specific responsibilities to each defendant. It says managers handled logistics and daily affairs that allowed Burke to control Celeste. One manager is alleged to have lived at the mansion where the killing and dismemberment reportedly took place.
Colleen Burke, the suit claims, helped finance and arrange housing that enabled the victim’s access to Burke. The parents accuse her of failing to protect a minor in her care.
Security guard Sheldon Jacques is accused of providing logistical help. The suit claims he gave substantial assistance in transporting Celeste from her home and facilitating Burke’s control over her.
Trafficking and commercial-sex allegations explained
Central to the civil case is an assertion that the relationship rose to the level of human trafficking. The plaintiffs argue Burke conditioned material support on the teen performing sexual acts for his benefit.
- The suit says the gifts and promises were not merely courtesies, but part of a scheme to procure commercial sex.
- By framing the conduct as trafficking, the parents seek to expand the legal remedies available to them.
Claims of concealment and damages sought
Beyond compensatory relief, the family asks the court to punish what it describes as deliberate efforts to hide evidence of abuse. The filing contends those efforts justify enhanced financial penalties.
Specifically, the plaintiffs assert that the defendants’ coordinated actions to conceal facts surrounding Celeste’s abuse and death entitle them to treble damages under applicable law.
Responses and current procedural status
As of the filing, representatives for several named defendants had not publicly responded. Lawyers for Colleen Burke, Robert Morgenroth and Josh Marshall did not immediately reply to requests for comment through Rolling Stone. Attempts to reach Sheldon Jacques were also unsuccessful.
The suit joins a criminal investigation and public scrutiny already surrounding the allegations. Civil claims can proceed independently and may seek financial relief even as criminal charges are pursued.
