Renowned Singer D4vd Loses Private Legal Team Amidst Serious Charges
In a surprising turn of events in Los Angeles, singer D4vd, known for his indie-pop music, parted ways with his private legal team during a recent court hearing. The artist, legally named David Anthony Burke, is facing severe allegations, including the murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During the proceeding, Burke entered a fresh plea of not guilty.
The abrupt departure of his high-profile attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, remains unexplained. These lawyers, who have represented A-list celebrities, were succeeded by a representative from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. According to a statement from the defense team, the judge approved their withdrawal after determining Burke’s eligibility for a court-appointed attorney.
Despite earning at least $10 million from his music between 2023 and 2025, Burke qualified for public defense. The Public Defender’s Office confirmed his financial eligibility following a comprehensive evaluation, although details were not disclosed. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel has now assumed Burke’s defense. His request to postpone the arraignment was denied by Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo, who insisted on proceeding with a plea, scheduling a status conference for October.
Previously, a five-day evidentiary hearing in July had established sufficient grounds for Burke to face trial on multiple charges, including murder and unlawful mutilation of human remains. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the possibility of the death penalty is still under consideration, although no trial date has been set. Hochman emphasized that the change in legal representation would not affect the prosecution’s approach.
Burke’s transition to a public defender mirrors a similar case involving Nick Reiner, the son of director Rob Reiner, who also switched from a notable private attorney after losing financial support. Burke’s new attorney, Kandeel, expressed condolences for the loss of life involved in the case while asserting Burke’s right to a thorough defense.
Authorities allege that Burke fatally stabbed Rivas Hernandez in April last year, following her threat to reveal a history of sexual abuse that allegedly began when she was 13. A text message she sent to Burke, stating, “i will end ur career and ur life,” was presented as evidence. Prosecutors claim Burke summoned her via Uber and attacked her upon her arrival. Her body was later discovered in the trunk of Burke’s vehicle while he was touring.
At the July hearing, prosecutors argued that the evidence against Burke was overwhelming, while his former legal team contested the sufficiency of the murder charges. D4vd rose to fame as a teenager through platforms like TikTok and Spotify, with hits such as “Romantic Homicide.” In 2024, he performed at Coachella and released his debut album “Withered,” just days after the alleged incident.
