Photo Credit:Arturo Holmes / Staff
Caleb Burke, the younger brother of singer-songwriter D4vd, has issued a public denial regarding allegations that he helped cover up his brother’s alleged involvement in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder case. In a series of statements posted to social media on May 8, 2026, the 18-year-old addressed growing online speculation that he was aware of his brother’s actions and actively protected him from legal scrutiny.
The controversy intensified following the April 2026 arrest of David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, who faces charges of murder and sexual abuse involving 14- year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege the teen’s body was discovered in a vehicle belonging to the singer in late 2025. As the case has returned to the headlines, internet users pointed to a years-old video of Caleb and Celeste backstage at a concert as evidence of a long-standing and inappropriate proximity.
In his response, Caleb characterized the “cover-up” claims as entirely false, noting that he has not lived with his brother for several years and that the two were not close growing up. He specifically addressed the backstage footage, explaining that he was 15 at the time and was simply walking with the victim after being asked to retrieve a fan’s item. He further denied rumors that he had “sneaked” her into the venue, asserting that she was already present at the show through other means.
The timing of Caleb’s statement coincides with the launch of his own music career under the stage name Kova. Critics on social media have labeled the move as “tone- deaf,” accusing him of leveraging the tragic media attention surrounding his brother to boost his debut. His first single, “Imaginary Love,” was released just two days before D4vd’s arrest, leading to accusations that the timing was a calculated attempt at viral promotion.
Caleb pushed back against these claims, stating that his musical project and rebrand had been in motion for months and were scheduled long before the latest developments in the criminal case. He revealed that he had even paused his music for over half a year due to the emotional weight of the investigation. “I don’t want to make this horrible situation about me,” he wrote, concluding his statement by expressing a desire for justice for the victim and her family while asking the public to separate his identity from his brother’s legal battles.
