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D4vd’s private defense lawyers have withdrawn from his murder case involving the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
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The singer has now been assigned a public defender to represent him in the case.
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D4vd entered a new not guilty plea to charges including murder, child sexual abuse and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
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His next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 19, while no trial date has been announced.
September 01, (THEWILL) — US singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court on Monday, August 31, where he entered a new not guilty plea in the murder case involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The hearing also saw his private defense lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, officially withdraw from the case after their request was approved by the court.
Berk is a well-known celebrity lawyer who has represented stars including Britney Spears and Mel Gibson.
The legal team said it continues to support Burke despite stepping down from the case.
“We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,” the lawyers said in a statement.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has now taken over Burke’s defense, with Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel assigned to the case.
Burke is facing charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains in connection with Hernandez’s death.
Hernandez’s remains were found in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla linked to Burke’s Los Angeles residence.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his music career.
They also allege that Burke met Hernandez online when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13 and he was 18.
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A judge ruled in July that there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial.
The appointment of a public defender comes despite previous court testimony that Burke earned at least $10 million from his music between 2023 and 2025.
However, the Public Defender’s Office said a financial review found that he qualifies for appointed counsel.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors are ready to proceed with the case but acknowledged that the change in lawyers could delay the proceedings as the new defense team reviews the evidence.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied the defense’s request to delay Monday’s hearing and scheduled the next pre-trial hearing for October 19. No trial date has been set.
Burke remains in custody without bail as the case continues.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
