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Prominent attorneys who had been representing pop star D4vd in his upcoming murder trial have withdrawn, following a court order.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.
