Musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, dismissed his celebrity defense team during a Hollywood courtroom hearing on Monday, opting instead to be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office as his upcoming murder trial approaches in connection to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
A Hollywood Courtroom Shift and a New Legal Team
The surprising turnaround unfolded during what was scheduled to be a routine pre-trial hearing before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo, as the outlet reported. High-profile defense attorney Blair Berk emerged from chambers with her client and told the court that the 21-year-old artist wanted to switch to public counsel. Is that your wish, Mr. Burke,
Judge Olmedo asked, to which the defendant responded, “Yes.”
When Judge Olmedo asked the defendant directly if that was his wish, the singer pleaded not guilty to the murder charges during Monday’s proceedings. Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel stepped forward from the gallery to introduce himself to the court. The defendant smiled and shook hands with his now-former attorneys Berk and Regina Peter as court was adjourned.
“This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appoint the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office after is was determined David qualified for appointed counsel,” according to a statement from Berk. “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. We are grateful that 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.”
Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, via BBC News
Berk, who led the initial defense team, has a history of representing high-profile entertainment figures, including US actor Mel Gibson and film mogul Harvey Weinstein, as well as singer Britney Spears and actress Lindsay Lohan. Despite stepping down, Berk’s team issued a statement expressing continued support and gratitude that qualified investigators and attorneys have taken over the representation. Lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement to BBC that the court granted their request to withdraw from the case and has appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s to represent the singer.
The Charges and Evidence in the Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The criminal case stems from the discovery of human remains in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to the singer’s address. Back on Sept. 8 of last year, police found the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, in the trunk of a Tesla impounded at Hollywood Tow after officers were drawn to the scene after reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.
Prosecutors allege that the musician stabbed the teenager after years of sexual abuse and subsequently dismembered her body. Court documents and investigative findings indicate that the victim was afraid the relationship would become public and ruin his budding music career. Text messages between Hernandez and the defendant say she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion, and in one exchange between the girl and the suspect in early January 2024, Burke apologized for putting her through this.
Judge Olmedo back on July 27 had ordered the 21-year-old artist to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence at a preliminary hearing in connection to the slaying of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke was arrested on the afternoon of April 16 at a house on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles police said. The defendant faces serious charges, including murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Legal Strategy and Pre-Trial Challenges
Following the appointment of the public defender’s office, Kandeel requested a postponement of the arraignment to allow more time to study the case files, though the judge denied that request before entering the not guilty pleas. Judge Olmedo promised to give Kandeel more time to prepare if he needed it and ordered all parties to return to court on Oct. 19.
“We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense,”
Walid Kandeel, Deputy Public Defender, via ABC7 Chicago
Former prosecutor turned defense attorney Joshua Ritter observed that while prosecutors must prove premeditation—which Ritter says for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is likely going to be the hardest part to prove—the defense is anchored to a suspect uniquely linked to the physical evidence. Ritter noted that the defense may have a much harder job trying to convince a jury anyone else killed Rivas Hernandez because there is no one else so clearly linked to this crime, while noting they could point to purchase history of a chainsaw to allegedly dismember Rivas Hernandez’s body and the fact that her body was found inside of his Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard.
Next Court Dates and Judicial Timeline
With the legal representation transition finalized, all parties are under court orders to return for further pre-trial proceedings. District Attorney Nathan Hochman is expected to speak following the arraignment on the progress of the case as it moves closer to trial.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 9, while other sources note a pre-trial hearing is set for 19 October. If convicted as charged, D4vd could face life in prison.
