The celebrity lawyers representing US musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, have withdrawn from his murder trial. Burke has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to his address. Burke, 21, pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Los Angeles court on Monday. A judge ruled last month that he will stand trial for murder. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Hernandez after years of sexual abuse and subsequently dismembered her body. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 19.
Lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter stated that the court approved their request to withdraw from the case, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent Burke. They noted that D4vd "qualified for appointed counsel" and expressed support for his defense against the serious charges.
Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel emphasized that Burke is entitled to a defense that thoroughly examines the evidence. Los Angeles County's top prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, indicated that his office is prepared to proceed with the case but acknowledged that the change in lawyers could lead to delays or additional motions.
Burke had previously entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse. The murder charges include special circumstances related to financial gain, which could make Burke eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Hernandez to prevent her from revealing their relationship and damaging his music career. Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing included threatening texts from Hernandez to Burke, in which she expressed intentions to harm him and ruin his career. The day after sending these texts, Hernandez was reportedly picked up by Burke in an Uber and subsequently stabbed upon arrival at his home.