In brief
The high‑profile attorneys hired by pop star D4vd have announced their withdrawal from the murder case, with Los Angeles County’s public defender office stepping in. The 21‑year‑old singer pleaded not guilty to killing 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and is awaiting a pre‑trial hearing on 19 October. Prosecutors, led by District Attorney Nathan Hochman, have cited a series of threats from Hernandez and alleged motives tied to the singer’s career; the case bears the potential for a death sentence due to special circumstances. With the shift in counsel, the defense expects a thorough review of evidence and may file a motion to dismiss, while the prosecution remains prepared for aggressive proceedings.
Celebrity lawyers step aside as D4vd faces murder trial
Prominent attorneys who had been representing pop star D4vd in his upcoming murder trial have withdrawn, following a court order. The singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, will now be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
Burke, 21, entered a not guilty plea to first‑degree murder, child sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains on Monday in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. A judge has already scheduled a pre‑trial hearing for 19 October.
The case revolves around the death of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke’s address. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Hernandez after a series of threats she sent, and then dismembered her body.
The public defender’s office confirmed that Burke “qualified for appointed counsel,” and said it is committed to delivering a defense that thoroughly examines the evidence. One statement read, “We are grateful the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.”
Formerly, the defense team included Blair Berk (known for representing Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan), Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter. The defense’s withdrawal is due in part to a court ruling that let them step aside to give the case a fresh look.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman remarked outside the courtroom that his office was “ready to proceed” with the case, acknowledging that the change of attorneys might delay proceedings, allow additional time to review the evidence, or lead to a motion to dismiss. He emphasized that his team was prepared for “zealous representation” by the new defense.
Prosecutors contend that the murder carried special circumstances linked to financial gain, raising the possibility of a death sentence for Burke. They argue he killed the teenager because she threatened to expose his relationship with a minor and jeopardize his multi‑million‑dollar music career.
According to pre‑trial evidence, Hernandez had threatened Burke multiple times, including a message that read, “I swear to GOD I will kill u.” He allegedly responded by stabbing her once she arrived at his Hollywood residence the following day.
