Singer D4vd will be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office after his private attorneys withdrew Monday from the criminal case accusing him of killing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court and pleaded not guilty. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel took over his defense after Judge Charlaine Olmedo approved the change in counsel.
Burke had been represented by attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter. His former lawyers said the court granted their request to withdraw after finding Burke eligible for appointed counsel. They did not publicly explain why the private representation ended.
The Public Defender’s Office said Burke underwent a financial review and qualified for its services.
Kandeel asked to delay the arraignment so the new defense team could review the case, but Olmedo denied the request. Burke then entered his not guilty plea. A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 19. No trial date has been set.
Burke, 21, faces charges including murder, continuous lewd or lascivious acts involving a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to disclose what authorities describe as a sexually abusive relationship. Her decomposed and dismembered remains were found months later in the trunk of a Tesla linked to Burke.
At a preliminary hearing in July, prosecutors presented evidence they said connected Burke to the killing and disposal of the teenager’s remains. Olmedo ruled there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the change in defense counsel would not alter the prosecution’s approach, though it could affect the case’s timeline. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
Burke has not been convicted and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Known professionally as D4vd, Burke rose to prominence through songs that gained large audiences on TikTok and streaming platforms, including his 2022 hit “Romantic Homicide.”
