d4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has gone from a rapid rise in the music industry to a dramatic change in his legal representation. On August 31, 2026, the 21-year-old singer’s high-profile private defense team withdrew from his criminal case, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent him after the court determined he qualified for publicly funded counsel.
The development is notable because testimony presented during the preliminary proceedings indicated that Burke generated between $10 million and $11 million from his music career between 2023 and 2025. His financial manager, Benjamin Greger, testified that the earnings came through music-related income including merchandising and publishing advances, while an Interscope Records employee also provided financial testimony about payments connected to Burke.
The change in lawyers does not establish how much money Burke currently has or what happened to the income he previously generated.
Why d4vd Now Has a Public Defender
Burke had been represented by prominent attorneys including Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter. The lawyers asked the court to allow them to withdraw, and the request was granted after Burke was determined to qualify for appointed counsel. Their statement said they continued to support his defense and welcomed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office taking over the case.
A public defender is appointed when a defendant meets the legal requirements for publicly funded representation. That means the court’s decision should not automatically be interpreted as proof that Burke has spent all of his reported earnings or that he has no remaining assets. Public reporting has not established his current net worth, liquid assets, debts or total legal expenses.
The contrast is nevertheless striking. A financial manager previously testified that Burke’s career generated roughly $11 million over three years, while the court has now determined that he qualifies for appointed representation.
The Music Career Behind the Reported Earnings
Burke became a breakout star after his music went viral, with “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” becoming his best-known songs. He subsequently signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records, releasing music and building a substantial streaming audience before his career was interrupted by the criminal investigation.
The financial figures presented in court relate to a period when that career was expanding rapidly. Interscope’s involvement was also examined during testimony, with an employee discussing money paid to Burke and associated entities.
Burke is now facing charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that he killed and dismembered Hernandez, whose remains were later found in a Tesla registered to him. Those allegations have not been proven at trial, and Burke is presumed innocent unless convicted.
At the August 31 hearing, Burke formally entered a not-guilty plea, while prosecutors indicated that the death penalty remains under consideration. A further court hearing is scheduled for October 19.
The case therefore enters its next phase with a new defense team and unresolved questions about Burke’s finances. The reported $10 million to $11 million in career earnings provides an important picture of his financial rise, but it does not by itself explain why the court determined that he now qualifies for a public defender.
