Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

DA Hochman Yet to Seek Death Penalty for D4vd

9/8/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family urges the death penalty for singer D4vd if he is convicted.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet decided to seek the death penalty.
He faces murder, sexual abuse and mutilation charges, and his Tesla trunk held the teen’s remains on Sept. 8, 2025.
A judge approved trial on July 27, set a conference for Oct. 19, and ordered trial within 90 days.

History

Historical Context

The alleged 2025 murder draws public focus on violent crime, echoing a national surge in true-crime coverage that began with the 2016 debut of *People Magazine Investigates* on Investigation Discovery. The franchise expanded to a six-episode 2024 series, showing how media attention can shape broader legal responses to such cases.

1 of 2

Story summary

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family urges the death penalty for singer D4vd if he is convicted.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet decided to seek the death penalty.
He faces murder, sexual abuse and mutilation charges, and his Tesla trunk held the teen’s remains on Sept. 8, 2025.
A judge approved trial on July 27, set a conference for Oct. 19, and ordered trial within 90 days.

1 / 2