Singer D4vd Changes Legal Representation in Murder Case

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, lost his private attorneys on Monday during a hearing where he entered a not guilty plea to charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The reasons for the departure of his lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, were not disclosed. They were replaced by a lawyer from the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office after the judge determined that Burke qualified for a court-appointed attorney. The defense attorneys stated that they continue to support Burke and his defense against the charges but did not provide further details about their withdrawal. Burke reportedly earned over $10 million from his music between 2023 and 2025, raising questions about his eligibility for a public defender. The Public Defender's Office confirmed that a financial evaluation had been completed, deeming him eligible for their services. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel has taken over the case. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo denied Kandeel's request to delay the arraignment, mandating a plea instead and scheduling a status conference for October. No trial date has been established yet. Following a five-day evidentiary hearing in July, the judge ruled that sufficient evidence existed for Burke to stand trial on charges including murder and unlawful mutilation of human remains. District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that his office is still considering whether to pursue the death penalty. He noted that the change in legal representation would not affect the prosecution's approach, although it may cause delays. Kandeel expressed sympathy for the victim's family while affirming Burke's right to a thorough defense. Authorities allege that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose alleged sexual abuse. Her dismembered body was discovered in Burke's vehicle in September 2025. Burke gained popularity as an indie-pop artist, achieving significant success on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. He performed at Coachella in 2024 and released his debut album shortly after the alleged murder.