David [D4VD] Anthony Burke Case Updates

Questions surrounding David Anthony Burke’s finances have continued following the August 31 hearing, when his private defense team withdrew and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office took over his representation. Burke is now represented by Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel after being determined eligible for appointed counsel.

The development has drawn a strong response from the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. In a statement released through family attorney Patrick W. Steinfeld, the family said it was “shocked” to learn that Burke had been determined indigent.

Steinfeld pointed to Burke’s music-streaming success as well as three companies reportedly controlled by Burke — D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising and Headspace Publishing — in questioning how Burke could qualify for taxpayer-funded representation.

“David Anthony Burke is not indigent,” Steinfeld said on behalf of the family.

The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has defended its determination, stating that it conducted a thorough financial evaluation and found Burke eligible for representation. The office has declined to release Burke’s private financial information.

Preliminary Hearing Testimony Takes on New Significance

The controversy also brings renewed attention to financial testimony presented during Burke’s July preliminary hearing. Benjamin Greger, who worked with Burke’s management team and handled financial matters, testified that Burke earned millions through his recording, merchandising and publishing businesses.

More significantly, Greger testified about discussions concerning Texas properties owned by Burke. During questioning by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, Greger acknowledged that he had discussed transferring properties held in Burke’s name to his mother and manager, Colleen Burke.

Silverman specifically asked Greger whether the purpose of the proposed transfers was to protect Burke’s estate from a potential civil lawsuit so that Celeste’s family would not be able to reach those assets. Greger acknowledged that he recalled giving that testimony. Steinfeld has now cited that testimony while challenging Burke’s claim of indigency.

Burke Transferred Two Texas Properties to His Mother Days After LAPD Search

The family’s challenge to Burke’s indigency determination also brings renewed attention to financial transactions that occurred shortly after Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered. More importantly, independent public-record aggregation confirms at least one of these transactions. One Cypress property has this ownership history:

July 2012: Dawud W. Burke and Colleen Burke acquire it.

May 19, 2023: Dawud and Colleen transfer it to Thorn Rose Trust.

September 22, 2025: Public records identify Thorn Rose Trust and David Anthony Burke as the sellers/grantors in another transfer. Property records previously obtained and reported by TMZ showed that Burke transferred two Houston-area properties to his mother, Colleen Burke, on September 18 and September 22, 2025.

And the timing is pretty striking:

• September 8: Celeste’s remains were discovered in Burke’s Tesla.
• September 17: LAPD searched Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence.
• September 18: First Texas property transfer. (the following day)
• September 22: Second property transfer.
• October 9: TMZ publicly reported the transfers after obtaining the documents.

The properties had been associated with the Thorn Rose Trust, a trust connected to Burke. At the time, the reason for the transactions was not publicly known, leading to considerable speculation about whether Burke was attempting to protect his assets.

Testimony during Burke’s July 2026 preliminary hearing later provided important additional context. Benjamin Greger, who handled financial matters connected to Burke’s career, testified about discussions concerning Burke’s properties and potential civil liability.

During questioning by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, Greger acknowledged prior testimony concerning a recommendation that properties be transferred to Burke’s mother to protect Burke’s estate from a potential civil lawsuit by Celeste’s family.

That testimony does not establish that the transfers were unlawful. However, it makes the previously reported property transactions considerably more relevant now that Burke’s finances and qualification for appointed counsel have come under renewed scrutiny.

Would Transferring Property Protect It From a Civil Lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Putting property into another person’s name does not automatically place it beyond the reach of someone who later obtains a civil judgment.

Texas law allows certain asset transfers to be challenged when they are made with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor. In determining whether a transfer is legally voidable, courts can consider circumstances surrounding the transaction, including whether:

• the property was transferred to a relative or other insider;
• the person making the transfer continued to possess or control the property;
• the transfer occurred after litigation was threatened or reasonably anticipated;
• substantially all of the person’s assets were transferred;
• the person received reasonably equivalent value for the property; or
• the transfer left the person insolvent or substantially reduced his available assets.

If a court ultimately determines that a transfer was legally voidable, potential remedies can include unwinding the transfer, attaching the property or its proceeds, or—in appropriate circumstances after judgment—allowing execution against the transferred asset.

There are important protections for good-faith recipients who provided reasonably equivalent value, and the existence of a transfer between family members does not, by itself, establish fraudulent intent.

No court has determined that Burke’s September 2025 property transfers were fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

However, the combination of the timing of the transfers, the relationship between Burke and the recipient, and Greger’s later testimony concerning protecting Burke’s assets from potential civil litigation could make those transactions relevant if Celeste’s family eventually brings a wrongful-death or other civil action.

In other words, transferring an asset does not necessarily make it disappear from the reach of the civil courts.

Family: “We Only Want Justice for Celeste“

Despite the dispute over Burke’s finances, Celeste’s family emphasized that their primary concern remains accountability for their daughter.

“We as a family only want justice for Celeste and for whoever is responsible to face the full force of the law,” the family said, while thanking those who have continued supporting Celeste.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and remains held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 19, 2026, for a status conference.

David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, returned to Los Angeles Superior Court Monday for arraignment following his preliminary hearing, where Judge Charlaine Olmedo previously found sufficient evidence to order him to stand trial.

The hearing brought a significant change to Burke’s defense. His private attorneys — Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter — were permitted to withdraw from the case. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has now taken over Burke’s representation, with Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel appointed as counsel.

According to statements following the hearing, the Public Defender’s Office conducted an evaluation of Burke’s financial circumstances and determined that he qualified for appointed counsel.

Judge Olmedo also conducted an in-chambers hearing regarding the change in representation, and the transcript of that proceeding was sealed. As a result, the specific circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of Burke’s private attorneys have not been made public.

The change is particularly noteworthy considering the extensive financial testimony presented during the preliminary hearing concerning Burke’s music income, assets, contracts and projected future earnings. However, qualification for appointed counsel does not establish what happened to those earnings or assets, and no public explanation has been given for the apparent change in Burke’s financial circumstances or why his private attorneys sought to withdraw.

Burke entered a not-guilty plea and remains held without bail.

His next court appearance is scheduled for October 19, 2026, for a status hearing. No trial date has been set.

About Burke’s New Attorney

Walid Kandeel is an experienced Los Angeles County public defender who has practiced law in California since 2009. At this time, I have not independently confirmed that Kandeel is qualified to serve as lead counsel in a California death-penalty case.

California State Bar Attorney Profile Walid Fouad Kandeel #265059

That distinction could become important if Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman ultimately decides to seek the death penalty against Burke.

FILE: d4vd-and-celeste-text-messages-on-april-23-2024-Trap-More-Ross-edited.pdf

READ: David Anthony Burke (d4vd) Preliminary Hearing Day 5: Judge Orders Singer to Stand Trial

Detective Ferrell presents the text messages between David Anthony Burke and Celeste Rivas Hernandez on the alleged last day of her life: April 23, 2025

Closing Arguments

READ: David (d4vd) Anthony Burke Preliminary Hearing Day 4

Dr. Grant Ho – Deputy Medical Examiner
Detective Corey Farrell – LAPD Detective

FILE:   TEXT MESSAGE BETWEEN CELESTE RIVAS HERNANDEZ AND DAVID ANTHONY BURKE AS PRESENTED IN COURT ON JULY 24, 2026 AT BURKE’S PRELIMINARY HEARING.

READ:  David (d4vd) Anthony Burke Preliminary Hearing Day 3

Lauren Wallace – LAPD criminalist – cross-examined by Berk
Lisa Lahendro – LAPD Criminalist, specializes in trace evidence analysis. Processed items retrieved from Burke’s home.
William Roecker – LAPD Detective, Robbery-Homicide Division, specializes in cellular records analysis, analyzed Burke’s cellphone and Burke’s Tesla’s IMSI
Samantha Tosch – LAPD criminalist – DNA
Dr. Grant Ho – Deputy Medical Examiner

READ:  David (d4vd) Anthony Burke Preliminary Hearing Day 2

Defense Continues with Benjamin Gregor – former finance director and money manager connected with Burke’s business affairs.
Louis Poimiroo – Senior Vice President of Finance, Interscope Records – Burke’s earning and future potential earnings.
Sean Buenrostro – California Highway Patrol Officer – testified about the discovery of Celeste’s passport card.
Chelsea Murillo – LAPD Criminalist forensic processing of David Burke’s Tesla after investigators recovered Celeste’s remains from the vehicle.
Afternoon session: before proceedings, a bit of Courtroom drama.
Chelsea Murillo – LAPD Criminalist – returned to the stand
Lauren Wallace – LAPD Criminalist, Field Investigation Unit – processed evidence recovered during the search of David Burke’s residence on Doheny Place.

READ:  David (d4vd) Anthony Burke Preliminary Hearing Day 1

Senior Deputy Juan Gonzalez – The February 17, 2024 Welfare Check
(Note: As we found out in testimony from Day 4, Burke and his security guard picked Celeste up on Feb. 14th?, 2024 in his “Operation Awesome” to come and live with him. Where was she when the cops knocked on his door?)
LAPD Detective Joshua Byers – Discovery of Celeste’s Remains, Online Purchases
Benjamin Greger, Burke’s former financial manager (Mogul Vision) – Burke’s 2023-2025 income

July 7, 2026 – Preliminary Hearing Confirmed

Following earlier continuances, the court held a brief status hearing on July 7. Judge Charlaine Olmedo confirmed that David Anthony Burke’s preliminary hearing will begin on July 21, 2026.

The hearing, originally scheduled for June 29, was postponed after the defense requested additional time to review the extensive discovery in the case. The court found good cause for the continuance during the June 17 status conference.

The preliminary hearing is expected to last approximately three to five days. During that hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to establish probable cause that Burke committed the charged offenses. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case will proceed toward trial.

Preliminary Hearing Delayed in David Anthony Burke / D4vd Case

🔵 A status conference was held today in the criminal case against David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, who is charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

🔵 According to City News Service reporting published by ABC7 Los Angeles, the multi-day preliminary hearing that had been scheduled to begin on June 29, 2026, has now been continued to July 21, 2026.

🔵 Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo reportedly held a lengthy in-chambers conference with attorneys before granting the defense’s latest request to postpone the hearing, finding “good cause” for the continuance.

🔵 Burke remains charged with capital murder, along with allegations connected to the killing, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty through his attorneys.

🔵 The next scheduled court date is July 7, 2026, for another status conference.

The preliminary hearing will be an important stage in the case because prosecutors will be required to present enough evidence for the judge to determine whether Burke should stand trial. This is not the trial itself, but it may be the first time much of the prosecution’s evidence is publicly tested in court.

Because today’s hearing was not filmed, the available information is limited to news reporting and any future court records or transcripts that become available.

A brief status hearing was held today:

🔹The preliminary hearing has reportedly been continued to June 29, 2026.
🔹The court also scheduled another status hearing for June 17, 2026.
🔹Defense attorneys argued in court that they are still waiting on portions of the prosecution’s DNA-related discovery and suggested the delays are impacting their ability to proceed.
🔹Prosecutors reportedly pushed back on the characterization of the delay, expressing frustration of their own regarding the pace of the proceedings and ongoing discovery disputes.
🔹The hearing itself was described as very short and procedural in nature, with no testimony presented and no substantive evidence argued in open court.
🔹Prosecutor Beth Silverman states that 10 Terabytes have been turned over to defense. The case continues to center around an enormous volume of digital and forensic evidence. Prosecutors previously stated they had collected approximately “40 terabytes” of material connected to the investigation, and today stated that it could take months to turn over that amount of discovery to defense.

The preliminary hearing, once it finally proceeds, is expected to be a major evidentiary event where prosecutors will attempt to establish probable cause and outline key portions of their forensic case against Burke. Discovery disputes are common in large homicide prosecutions involving extensive digital evidence, forensic testing, and DNA analysis. Delays at this stage do not necessarily indicate weakness by either side, but they can shape defense strategy and timing.

Burke remains in custody without bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Today’s hearing appeared to underscore growing tension between the prosecution and defense over discovery timing — particularly forensic and DNA evidence that may become central to the preliminary hearing later this summer.”

A newly filed prosecution brief ahead of the preliminary hearing has now been released publicly after defense attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to have it sealed, arguing it was “one-sided” and could prejudice a future jury pool.

While the filing spans multiple pages and outlines the State’s theory of the case, it is already drawing significant attention due to the scope and nature of the allegations presented. The court ultimately denied the request to seal the document, allowing it to enter the public domain.

With the prosecution’s narrative now laid out in detail, attention is expected to shift to how the defense will respond—both in court filings and at the upcoming preliminary hearing, which has been continued to May 26. A status conference remains set for May 12.

Further analysis of the brief and its potential implications will follow.

The preliminary hearing has been continued to May 1, 2026. This gives both sides additional time to review discovery and prepare arguments on whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.

Status Hearing Scheduled
A status hearing is set for April 29, 2026. These hearings typically address discovery progress, scheduling, and any outstanding procedural issues—especially relevant here given the defense’s earlier complaints about limited discovery.

Digital Evidence: CSAM Allegations
The prosecution stated in court that a device linked to Burke allegedly contained a “plethora” of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This is a major escalation in the case, suggesting:

Potential additional charges beyond homicide-related offenses
Strong digital forensic evidence tying Burke to exploitative material
Possible timeline corroboration if files are dated, downloaded, or produced during relevant periods

 

Wiretap Evidence Revealed ⚠️
Prosecutors disclosed in court that Burke was the subject of a wiretap, and that recorded communications are part of the evidence.

This is a major evidentiary development. Wiretap evidence can include:

Direct or indirect incriminating statements
Conversations that help establish timeline, intent, or knowledge
Corroboration of other evidence (digital, forensic, or witness testimony)

It also signals that Investigators had probable cause early enough to obtain judicial authorization and the case likely involved coordinated, multi-layered surveillance.

Autopsy Findings (Emerging Details)
While the full medical examiner’s report has not been widely released in PDF form, disclosures and charging language indicate:

Evidence of sharp-force injuries
Allegations of postmortem mutilation/dismemberment
Indications of sexual abuse, with investigators reportedly able to narrow timeframes for when certain acts occurred

These findings significantly strengthen the prosecution’s ability to establish cause of death, manner of death, and postmortem conduct, even with decomposition.

David Anthony Burke was arraigned today as attorney Blair Berk entered a plea of Not Guilty on his behalf.

Berk also stated the defendant’s wishes to move forward with the preliminary hearing as soon as possible, urging Prosecutor Beth Silverman to produce discovery on a timely basis. Silverman states there are 40 TB of discovery.

The judge ordered the Medical Examiner to release the autopsy report to the defense.

To be clear:

During the arraignment, the defense invoked California’s “10 of 10” rule, which requires a preliminary hearing to be held within 10 court days. April 23 was identified as “3 of 10,” meaning it falls on the third court day within that statutory window.

The defense’s push for a rapid preliminary hearing suggests a strategy to force early disclosure of evidence, while prosecutors indicated they are prepared to proceed, even on an accelerated timeline.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has officially filed charges against David Anthony Burke in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, marking a major turning point in the case.

Burke is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, including allegations of lying in wait, committing the murder for financial gain, and killing a witness. These enhancements make the case eligible for a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, though a final decision on capital punishment will be made at a later date. Additional charges include continuous sexual acts with a minor under 14, lewd and lascivious acts, and mutilation of human remains.

According to prosecutors, Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, after going to Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence. Her dismembered remains were discovered months later, on September 8, 2025, inside the trunk of a vehicle registered to Burke.

In a significant clarification, the District Attorney explicitly stated that there has been no conflict between the LAPD and the DA’s Office, confirming that both agencies worked “in lock step” throughout the investigation—from initial response to arrest and the filing of charges.

Law enforcement officials also addressed the extended timeline, emphasizing that the complexity of the case—including the condition of the remains, delayed cause-of-death determination, and the need to carefully build admissible evidence—required patience and precision.

With charges now filed, the case moves into the next phase of the criminal process, where prosecutors will be required to prove each allegation beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

“The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”Arrest Made in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case

David Anthony Burke, 21, AKA D4VD, was arrested on April 16, 2026, by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division in connection with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Statement from LAPD PIO: “Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas.  Burke is being held without bail.”

“The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”

According to booking records, Burke is being held without bail and remains in LAPD custody following his arrest at approximately 5:00 PM. Authorities have not yet released a booking photo.

In a statement posted to social media, LAPD confirmed the arrest and indicated that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.

At that time, prosecutors will determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed. If charges are filed by complaint—as appears likely—the case would proceed to a preliminary hearing, where a judge will review the evidence to determine whether it meets the legal threshold to move forward.

This marks the first major public development in the case since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found deceased inside a vehicle linked to Burke in September 2025.