US singer D4vd’s high-profile legal team has withdrawn from his murder case, with a Los Angeles County public defender now appointed to represent the musician.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Hernandez’s remains were found in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to an address linked to Burke.
Burke, 21, had been represented by celebrity attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter. The lawyers confirmed that the court had granted their request to withdraw from the case and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to represent the singer.
In a statement, the lawyers said Burke qualified for appointed counsel and pledged their continued support for him.
“We continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges,” they said.
“We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.”
Berk, who led Burke’s defence team, has previously represented high-profile figures including actor Mel Gibson, film producer Harvey Weinstein, singer Britney Spears and actress Lindsay Lohan.
Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel said Burke was entitled to a defence that would carefully examine the evidence against him.
“David is entitled to a defence that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence,” Kandeel said. “We are committed to providing him with that defence.”
The change in legal representation could affect the timing of proceedings. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office was prepared to proceed with the case but acknowledged that the new defence team could require additional time to review evidence.
He also said the change could lead to a motion seeking dismissal of the case.
Prosecutors have accused Burke of murdering Hernandez after years of alleged sexual abuse. They further allege that he stabbed the teenager before dismembering her body.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse charges.
The murder charge includes special circumstances linked to financial gain, which could make Burke eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Hernandez after she threatened to expose his relationship with a minor and damage his music career.
Evidence presented during a preliminary hearing included messages allegedly sent by Hernandez to Burke in April 2025 following an argument over his friendship with another girl.
One message included a threat to kill Burke and damage his career.
Prosecutors allege Hernandez subsequently travelled to Burke’s Hollywood home in an Uber he had arranged to pick her up and that he stabbed her after she arrived.
A judge ruled last month that Burke would stand trial for murder.
His next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 19.
Burke remains presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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