D4vd Switches to a Public Defender After His Lawyers Withdraw in the Murder Case Over Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Death, as Los Angeles Prosecutors Press Toward Trial
LOS ANGELES, CA — Singer D4vd is now being represented by a public defender after his private legal team withdrew Monday, a change that came just before his second arraignment in the murder case tied to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, again pleaded not guilty to murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Judge rejected a request to delay the proceeding, and Burke’s next court date is set for Oct. 19.
The switch immediately added another layer of attention to a case already drawing intense scrutiny because prosecutors allege Celeste’s dismembered body was found in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla. The courtroom shift did not slow the case’s timeline, and prosecutors said they remain prepared to move ahead once the defense is ready.
What changed in court on Monday
Burke’s high-profile defense lawyers, including Blair Berk and Marilynne Bednarski, were granted permission to step away from the case. No reason was given publicly for the withdrawal, and public defender Walid Kandeel stepped in to represent him.
Kandeel told the court that Burke deserves a defense that carefully examines the evidence while also recognizing the loss at the center of the allegations. He asked for the arraignment to be postponed, but the judge denied that request and kept the hearing on schedule.
Legal analyst Lou Shapiro said the lack of a replacement private attorney suggested possible financial trouble. Under that reading, the public defender appointment may signal that Burke no longer has the resources to continue paying for a private team at a moment when the case is moving toward trial.
Prosecutors keep the death penalty on the table
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the change in representation does not alter the prosecution’s plans. He said his office is ready to proceed as soon as the defense says it is prepared to move forward.
Hochman also said prosecutors are still waiting for the defense to submit a mitigation packet explaining why Burke should not face a possible death sentence. He said the former defense team never returned that paperwork before withdrawing, and the office will give new counsel more time if it chooses to file one.
Legal observers say the defense faces a difficult path. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste because he feared she would expose their sexual relationship and damage his music career, while the defense may try to attack the case as circumstantial and challenge proof of premeditation. If convicted as charged, Burke could face life in prison.
Money questions and the road to trial
The public defender appointment also raised new questions about Burke’s finances. Testimony in the case has indicated that he earned at least $10 million during his short career, which would normally put a defendant well outside the range for court-appointed counsel.
Celeste’s family responded by saying Burke is not truly indigent and is hiding money through corporations. In a statement, they argued that Los Angeles County residents should not be forced to pay for the defense of someone they described as a millionaire.
The family said their only goal is justice for Celeste and accountability for whoever is responsible. With a preliminary hearing already behind him and a judge having ordered him to stand trial, Burke’s case now appears headed toward a trial that could begin within months.
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