The short version
- David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is now represented by a Los Angeles County public defender after his previous private attorneys withdrew from the case.
- The singer entered a new not-guilty plea to charges including murder and sexual abuse of a minor, with prosecutors still deciding whether to seek the death penalty.
- Confusion remains regarding Burke's financial eligibility for court-appointed counsel given testimony that he earned at least $10 million from music between 2023 and 2025.
The legal defense of singer David Anthony Burke, widely known by his stage name D4vd, underwent a significant shift on Monday when his high-profile private attorneys withdrew from the case. Burke entered a new not-guilty plea during a hearing in Los Angeles, where he is accused of killing, sexually abusing, and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The departure of his previous legal team marks a notable change in proceedings for a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny due to the artist's rising fame and the severity of the allegations.
Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, who had been representing Burke, were replaced by Walid Kandeel from the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office. The outgoing attorneys issued a brief statement confirming that the judge granted their request to withdraw after determining that Burke qualified for court-appointed counsel. They declined to provide specific details regarding the reasons for their departure outside of the courtroom, stating only that they continue to support Burke and his defense against the serious charges.
The transition to public defense has sparked questions about financial eligibility. Testimony from Burke's money handlers at a previous hearing indicated that he earned at least $10 million through his music career between 2023 and 2025. Despite these reported earnings, the Public Defender's Office stated in an email that it had completed a thorough financial evaluation and found him eligible for their services. The discrepancy between his reported income and his qualification for indigent defense has not been fully explained by either side.
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo oversaw the Monday hearing, denying Kandeel's initial request to delay the arraignment. Instead, the judge required Burke to enter a plea immediately and scheduled a status conference for October. No trial date has been set at this time. This second arraignment is standard procedure following a five-day evidentiary hearing held in July, during which Judge Olmedo ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial on charges of murder, continuous lewd acts with a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors argue that the evidence against Burke is overwhelming. Authorities allege that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez in April of last year after she threatened to expose sexual abuse that had begun when she was 13. According to prosecutors, the victim sent a text message the night before her death warning that she would end his career and his life. The following night, Burke allegedly arranged for an Uber to bring her to his home, where he attacked her. Evidence presented suggests her phone went permanently silent at the time of the incident.
The discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body occurred months later in September, when her dismembered and decomposing remains were found in the trunk of Burke's Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. This discovery happened while Burke was on tour, adding to the timeline complexities of the case. During the July hearing, Burke's previous lawyers argued that the evidence of murder was insufficient, contrasting sharply with the prosecution's assertion of 'mountains of evidence.'
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the change in legal representation will not alter his office's strategy, though it may cause procedural delays. Hochman emphasized that the district attorney's office remains ready to prove all three charges beyond a reasonable doubt regardless of timing. The decision on whether to pursue the death penalty is still under consideration by the prosecution, as Burke is eligible for capital punishment given the nature of the crimes.
Burke rose to prominence as an online musical phenomenon, blending indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop to amass huge followings on platforms like TikTok, SoundCloud, and Spotify. His breakthrough song 'Romantic Homicide' has garnered more than a billion plays. In 2024, he performed at the Coachella music festival and released his debut album 'Withered,' just two days after authorities say Rivas Hernandez was killed. The juxtaposition of his career peak with the alleged crimes has kept the case in the public eye.
The new defense attorney, Kandeel, acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a statement, extending sympathies to those grieving the loss of life. He emphasized that Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. This case mirrors other high-profile instances where prominent private lawyers have been replaced by public defenders due to financial constraints or eligibility determinations, highlighting the procedural complexities in criminal justice for wealthy defendants.
As the case moves forward, the focus remains on the upcoming status conference in October. The legal teams must now navigate the pre-trial phase with the new defense representation in place. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the timeline for a potential trial and whether the prosecution proceeds with seeking the death penalty. The public awaits further developments as the judicial process continues to unfold.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- PBS NewsHour↗Singer D4vd loses prominent lawyers defending him in killing of 14-year-old
