The family of embattled singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has reportedly been securing funds in recent months, following a court hearing where his legal team withdrew from his defense. D4vd is currently on trial for the sexual assault and murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty.
According to real estate records obtained by TMZ, D4vd's father, Dawud Burke, sold a three-bedroom house in Houston, Texas, in early July for $229,000. Earlier in the year, in April, Burke also reportedly took out a loan for $138,000 on another property. D4vd's father currently resides in a larger home in Hempstead, Texas, valued at approximately $850,000.
These financial maneuvers occurred shortly before D4vd appeared to face financial difficulties in his defense. His legal team, consisting of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, informed the court they could no longer represent the singer. The court granted their request to withdraw, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office was appointed to his case after it was determined D4vd qualified for appointed counsel.
A spokesperson for the LA County Public Defender's Office confirmed that an review of D4vd's finances indicated his eligibility for a public defender, though they declined to share specific financial information. This development raises questions about his ability to afford his former legal team, especially as it was previously indicated in court that he had earned millions from a recording contract.
In a statement, LA County Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel acknowledged the gravity of the case and stated, "David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense."
Prosecutors allege that D4vd murdered Rivas on April 23, 2025, fearing their relationship would harm his career. He is accused of stabbing Rivas and then dismembering her remains with a chainsaw in an inflatable pool at a Hollywood Hills home. The remains were found in a Tesla registered to Burke on September 8, 2025. Small blue plastic fragments from the pool were reportedly found embedded in the victim's remains.
Evidence presented during a preliminary hearing included text messages suggesting Rivas was pregnant and had an abortion a year before her death. Detective Corey Farell testified that D4vd's phone contained records alluding to a 2023 pregnancy and a January 2024 abortion, with Rivas reportedly texting him, "Of course it's yours David." The phone also contained images of child sexual abuse material involving Rivas, which prosecutors did not present due to their graphic nature.
During the hearing, Rivas' parents were present as testimony was given. Detective Farell also stated that Rivas' parents had consented to her traveling with D4vd to London and later to Texas in late 2024. An attorney for the Rivas family expressed horror that the defense attorneys had attempted to place blame on the 14-year-old victim.
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and ordered D4vd held without bail. He is due for arraignment on August 31. Prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty, as Judge Olmedo found probable cause for special circumstances including lying in wait, killing for financial gain, and killing a potential witness, which could make D4vd eligible for capital punishment if convicted.