Highlights
- D4vd’s high-profile private lawyers have withdrawn from his murder case.
- A Los Angeles County public defender is now representing the singer.
- The reason for the lawyers’ withdrawal has not been publicly explained.
- D4vd has pleaded not guilty and is still due to face trial.
D4vd’s murder case has entered a new phase after his celebrity defense team walked away from the case.
The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is now being represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. The change happened during a court hearing on Monday, as Burke pleaded not guilty again to the charges against him.
The move does not end the case against him. A judge has already ruled that Burke must stand trial over the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. His next court hearing is scheduled for October.
Why did D4vd’s lawyers leave?
Burke’s private legal team included high-profile attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter.
The lawyers asked the court to withdraw from the case. The request was granted, and public defender Walid Kandeel was appointed to represent Burke.
The lawyers said Burke qualified for appointed counsel. They also said they continued to support him and his defense against the charges. They did not publicly give a separate reason for stepping away.
The change has raised questions because Burke had previously been represented by a team of well-known private lawyers. Berk, who led the defense, has represented several high-profile clients, including Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.
What happens to the murder case now?
The case itself continues.
Burke is accused of murdering Rivas Hernandez in April 2025. Prosecutors allege that he stabbed the teenager before dismembering her body. Her remains were later found in a Tesla registered to an address connected to Burke.
Burke has pleaded not guilty. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
Prosecutors have also alleged that the teenager threatened to expose Burke’s relationship with her and damage his music career. They say this was part of the motive for the alleged killing.
The change in legal teams could affect the timing of the case. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the new defense team could need additional time to review the evidence. He also said the change could lead to a request to dismiss the case.
For now, the murder case is moving forward with a new defense team. The next major step will be the October hearing, as Burke prepares to face trial on the charges.
