The fallout surrounding the D4vd murder case continues growing as the singer’s younger brother Caleb Burke publicly defended his family while calling for justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
In a lengthy series of Instagram Story posts shared Thursday, the 18-year-old addressed accusations circulating online that claimed he knew about the alleged crime or was attempting to profit from the media attention surrounding the case.
“I’ve been wanting to say something for a while, but I have to be careful about what I say as this is an ongoing legal matter. I don’t want to make this horrible situation about me. I want justice for Celeste and her family,” Caleb wrote.
Caleb also denied claims that he protected his older brother, D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, after prosecutors charged the singer with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
“I’ve seen people say that I knew what was going on and was protecting my brother. This is not true at all, I have not lived with my brother for years, and was not very close with him,” he explained.
Authorities allege D4vd and Celeste first began communicating when she was only 11 years old before the relationship allegedly became romantic over time. Investigators later claimed the two remained in contact leading up to her disappearance earlier this year.
Caleb said he only encountered Celeste a few times backstage during concerts and insisted online rumors about him sneaking her into shows were false.
“People have even gone as far as to say that I was sneaking her backstage, which is not true,” he wrote.
The teen also addressed criticism claiming he relaunched his music career to capitalize on headlines surrounding the case.
“My intent has never been to use this to bring attention to myself or my music,” Caleb stated.
D4vd was arrested April 16. Prosecutors later accused the singer of killing Celeste and attempting to mutilate her body. A preliminary hearing is expected later this month.
Timeline of Events
- 2022: Investigators allege D4vd first began speaking with Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 years old.
- 2023 to 2025: Authorities claim the relationship between D4vd and Celeste continued over several years and eventually became romantic.
- Early 2026: Celeste was reported missing after allegedly remaining in contact with the singer.
- April 16, 2026: D4vd was arrested in connection to Celeste’s disappearance and death.
- Late April 2026: Prosecutors alleged the singer purchased chainsaws and attempted to mutilate Celeste’s body after the killing.
- May 2026: Caleb Burke publicly denied involvement, rejected accusations against his family, and demanded justice for Celeste.
Concerns about why Celeste’s parents would allow an 11 year old to travel from their (Orange County?) home to Hollywood alone, evidently repeatedly. EVEN TO THE POINT WHERE SHE WENT MISSING ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCAISIONS.Ii DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT: CAN NOT GET MY HEAD AROUND it. ( Sorry for caps).
Not in a judgemental way, but as a parent, I truly believe that her parents bear some responsibility for what (eventually) happened to Celeste. Trust in a child is one thing, but there is clear precedent for preventing her from those frequent trips to D4vd’s home. Could they have been totally unaware of her movement and associates?
Please understand, this comment is not intended as hurtful. It has been haunting me: I have a daughter, too.