Celeste Rivas’ family slams D4VD’s 'indigent' claim in murder case

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has questioned D4VD’s claim that he cannot afford his private legal team after the singer was granted court-appointed representation in his murder case.

D4VD, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, told a Los Angeles court on Monday that he was indigent. His private attorneys subsequently withdrew from the case, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent him.

The Rivas Hernandez family’s attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, told TMZ that the family was “shocked” by Burke’s claim of financial hardship. Steinfeld argued that D4VD’s reported music earnings and business interests should be considered when determining his ability to pay for legal representation.

According to the attorney, D4VD has accumulated more than 5 billion streams and has about 16 million monthly listeners on one streaming platform. Steinfeld also pointed to three companies allegedly controlled by Burke: D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising and Headspace Publishing.

The attorney further referenced testimony from D4VD’s preliminary hearing, which he said alleged that Burke transferred assets to his mother and manager, Colleen Burke. Steinfeld characterised those transfers as an attempt to protect Burke’s assets from potential civil claims.

D4VD’s former attorneys, including Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, confirmed that the court granted their request to withdraw after determining that Burke qualified for appointed counsel. They said they continued to support his defence against the charges.

The Rivas Hernandez family said through Steinfeld that its primary goal is to obtain justice for Celeste and ensure that whoever is responsible faces the law.

D4VD is accused in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He has denied the charges and is scheduled to return to court on October 19 with his newly appointed public defender.