Patrick Steinfeld, the lawyer representing the family of the 14-year-old girl D4vd is accused of sexually assaulting, murdering, and dismembering, is disputing the singer’s claim that he is indigent and entitled to a public defender. In a statement obtained by Rolling Stone, the lawyer for the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez alleges the singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is concealing assets in companies he owns and through money he transferred to his mother, Colleen Burke. Steinfeld argues that the public should be angered that a platinum-selling artist is seeking publicly funded representation.
Greger testified that Burke took home roughly $10 million to $11.5 million in gross earnings through recording, merchandising, and music-publishing deals and that Greger discussed transferring Texas properties held in Burke’s name to his mother, Colleen Burke. The Rivas Hernandez family attended each day of the preliminary hearing but did not speak to the media during the proceeding. Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century “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,” the family said in a new statement shared with Rolling Stone this week. Burke, 21, was arrested in April and pleaded not guilty to his charges at a rearraignment on Monday. His lawyer, Los Angeles County Public Defender Walid Kandeel, began representing D4vd immediately Monday after Burke’s high-powered private legal team, including Blair Berk and Marilyn Bednarski, handed the case over to him.
At the hearing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo asked Kandeel if his office needed more time “to see if Mr. Burke qualifies” for a public defense. Kandeel said the office was “prepared” to move forward and was seeking appointment.
Trending Stories Sean Ono Lennon Confirms Birth of Baby Boy, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s First Grandchild Alanis Morissette Sues Former Tour Manager, Alleges ‘Extortionate’ Threat Over Airport Drugs Jonathan Bailey Drops Out of West End Musical After Ariana Grande’s Departure Lizzo Scores Court Win as Judge Tosses Tour Staffer’s Harassment, Discrimination Lawsuit “We’re not at liberty to disclose financial information. Our office has done a thorough financial evaluation and determined that David Burke is eligible for representation by the Public Defender’s Office,” a spokesperson for the office said in a statement sent to Rolling Stone. Judge Olmedo decided in July that there was enough evidence to send Burke to trial.
Prosecutors say Burke sexually abused Rivas Hernandez for more than a year before killing her in April 2025 when she threatened to expose the alleged abuse. They claim he dismembered her in his garage using a chainsaw and hid her remains in the front trunk of his Tesla.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
