Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been assigned a public defender after his high-profile legal team withdrew from his murder case in Los Angeles.
Burke, 21, appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. His former lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, were granted permission to withdraw from the case.
The reason for the lawyers’ withdrawal was not disclosed. In a statement, however, the defence team said it continued to support Burke and his defence against the charges.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office subsequently took over his representation, with Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel assigned to the case. The office said it had conducted a financial assessment and determined that Burke qualified for court-appointed representation.
The development comes as Burke faces trial on first-degree murder and other charges relating to Hernandez’s death. Prosecutors allege that the teenager was killed in April 2025 and that her remains were later found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
Prosecutors have alleged that Burke stabbed Hernandez and subsequently dismembered her body. They also presented evidence during the preliminary proceedings concerning purchases allegedly made under a fictitious name, including chainsaws and other items they said were connected to the disposal of the body. Burke’s defence has disputed key aspects of the prosecution’s account.
A judge ruled last month that there was sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial on murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains charges.
The murder charge carries special circumstances, including allegations involving financial gain and lying in wait. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office was still determining whether to seek the death penalty if Burke is convicted.
Kandeel told reporters that Burke was entitled to a defence that would carefully examine the evidence and take the circumstances of the case seriously.
Burke remains in custody without bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for October, with the case moving towards trial.
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