D4vd rejected his high-profile legal team during a court hearing Monday in California, in favor of public defenders.
The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo for formal arraignment in connection with the murder of his 14-year-old girlfriend, Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke’s former defense team, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, stepped down from the case Monday morning, following a private, in-chambers meeting.
They were replaced by attorneys Walid Fouad Kandeel and Lisa Anne Roth from Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, LA Mag reports.
Although it’s unclear why Burke opted for a public defender, his former legal team released a statement indicating that they would “continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges.”
David Anthony Burke/Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
As Criminal Enterprise reported, Burke allegedly killed Celeste and dismembered her at his rental home in the Bird Streets neighborhood of Hollywood Hills, on April 23, 2025.
Burke was charged in April 2026 with:
- First-degree murder
- Lewd act upon a child under the age of 14
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that Burke also faces facing special circumstances charges include:
- Lying in wait
- Murder for financial gain
- Killing a witness in a criminal investigation
The incident spurred from a tumultuous relationship between the pair, which ended when Celeste reportedly confronted Burke in April 2025 about seeing other women.
On September 8, 2025, Los Angeles police found Celeste’s partial remains in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla, located in a Hollywood tow yard.
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PBS reports that despite Burke’s lucrative music career, the Public Defender’s Office deemed him eligible after completing a “financial evaluation.”
“We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving,” the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office said in a statement.
“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.”
Burke has pleaded not guilty. A status hearing has been scheduled for October 19, with a trial date starting within 90 days of the next hearing.
It’s unclear whether the DA will seek the death penalty.
Check back for updates.
[Featured image: Celeste Rivas Hernandez/LAPD]
