The legal representatives hired to defend US musician D4vd in an upcoming murder trial have requested withdrawal from the case, which was granted by the court. The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, will now be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office following a determination that he qualified for appointed counsel.
Burke, 21, appeared in Los Angeles court on Monday to have murder charges formally read against him and entered a not guilty plea. He faces charges of first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teen’s remains were discovered in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke’s address. The murder charges include special circumstances related to financial gain, potentially exposing Burke to capital punishment.
According to prosecutors, Burke allegedly killed Hernandez after she threatened to reveal his relationship with a minor and damage his music career. Evidence presented during preliminary hearings included text messages from the teen containing threats dated 22 April 2025. The following day, Hernandez traveled to Burke’s Hollywood residence in an Uber that prosecutors say Burke arranged, where the alleged stabbing occurred.
The three attorneys who previously represented Burke—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—stated in a statement that they continue to support the musician’s defense while expressing confidence in the public defender’s office. Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel indicated commitment to examining evidence carefully and providing thorough representation.
Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, indicated readiness to proceed with the case while acknowledging that the change in legal representation could result in delays, extended review periods, or potential motions to dismiss. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 19 October. A judge previously determined that Burke will stand trial on the charges.
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