According to the latest update, d4vd and his legal team recently parted ways, with the singer opting instead to be represented by a public defender. The reason? The 'Romantic Homicide' is struggling with money.
The family of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez is asking for justice as the murder case against singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, moves toward trial. As many already know, Burke is accused of sexually abusing Celeste and killing her in April 2025. Prosecutors also claim that he dismembered her body. In his defense, Burke has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.
According to the latest update, Burke and his legal team recently parted ways, with the singer opting instead to be represented by a public defender.
Amid this, Rivas' family has released a statement saying that they want the person responsible for Celeste's death to get the punishment it deserves. The statement read, "We as a family only want justice for Celeste and for whoever is responsible to face the full force of the law. We thank everyone for supporting our daughter in every way."
Prosecutors say D4vd allegedly met Celeste Rivas back in 2022 when she was just 11 years old.
— No Jumper (@nojumper) April 30, 2026
According to authorities, their relationship later turned inappropriate, with claims it became sexual in late 2023 when Celeste was 13 and he was 18.
Prosecutors allege D4vd paid one… pic.twitter.com/8e3cWQFXj0
d4vd murder case update
Most recently, Burke decided to replace his private lawyers with a public defender. His attorneys said he qualifies for a court-appointed lawyer because he is considered financially unable to pay for his defense.
However, Rivas' family lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, refuses to believe that claim. Steinfeld says Burke has millions of dollars connected to three companies he owns. Speaking to TMZ, he said, "It is unfathomable that our justice system qualifies David Anthony Burke as indigent when d4vd has 5+ billion streams with 16 million monthly listeners on a single streaming platform, and controls three corporations."
About Burke and Rivas' relationship
Prosecutors say Burke had an illegal sexual relationship with Celeste, who was 11 when they first met. They claim he killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship due to jealousy involving another woman. "I will end ur career and life," she wrote in her final text to d4vd.
Celeste's remains were later found inside a Tesla connected to Burke.
The singer remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is set for October 2026.
**(Feature Image Credits: d4vd Instagram/No Jumper X)**ALSO READ | D4vd murder case: Chainsaw, shovel, body bag; Prosecutors reveal how singer killed Celeste Rivas
