"It is unfathomable": Celeste Rivas' family blasts D4VD's claim he's "indigent" despite billions of streams 

The family of Celeste Rivas is contesting the D4VD assertion that he does not have enough financial ability to afford his defense in the murder case against him.

The family of Rivas Hernandez made the statement through their lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, that they are surprised by the fact that the singer, born David Anthony Burke, declared himself as “indigent.”

“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.”

Steinfeld told TMZ, pointing to D4VD’s reported massive streams and monthly listeners on a single streaming platform.

The lawyer also highlighted three companies owned by D4VD, which include D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising, and Headspace Publishing.

“David Anthony Burke is not indigent. His assets are protected by his companies. Perhaps he would have money if he just asked one of his corporations.”

Steinfeld argued that the singer could potentially access money by seeking funds from one of his corporations.

Meanwhile, the family said its focus remains on seeking justice for Celeste.

"We as a family only want justice for Celeste and for whoever is responsible to face the full force of the law. And we thank everyone for supporting our daughter in every way."

Steinfeld also objected to the public funding of the defense of D4VD, stating that the citizens of Los Angeles would be infuriated if their taxpayer dollars were being spent defending someone who, according to Steinfeld, is a millionaire.

The accused, D4VD, is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14 years old, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Also, the lawyer alluded to the evidence given during the preliminary hearing where the singer had purportedly transferred funds to his mother and manager, Colleen Burke.

Steinfeld said that the asset transfer was done with the aim of protecting D4VD’s estate from any legal action by the family of Celeste.

D4VD murder case: A timeline

D4VD reportedly began his sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas sometime in 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18.

In April 2025, Rivas arrived at his rented Hollywood Hills home and was allegedly killed by him later that night to protect his music career. The following month, he allegedly mutilated the victim's remains using items ordered online, storing the body parts in bags.

That September, Rivas’ severed and decomposing remains were discovered in the front trunk of the singer's impounded Tesla in a Hollywood tow lot.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) then arrested the singer in April 2026, and was held without bail. He was eventually charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilating a body. He pleaded not guilty.

Trending

In July, a multi-day preliminary hearing concluded, with a judge ruling there was sufficient evidence for D4VD to stand trial.

As of Aug. 31, he pleaded not guilty at his formal trial arraignment and was appointed a new attorney from the public defender's office.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback