Indie-Pop Singer D4vd Loses Private Lawyers, Enters New Plea
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court on Monday to enter a new not guilty plea concerning serious charges that include the murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During the hearing, he was represented by a public defender after his former private attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, were granted permission to withdraw from the case.
The reasons behind the legal team’s departure remain undisclosed. Blair Berk has represented several notable figures in the past, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Aniston. In a statement, the departing attorneys expressed their ongoing support for Burke and his defense, choosing not to elaborate further on their decision outside the courtroom.
Despite earning at least $10 million from his music career between 2023 and 2025, Burke was deemed eligible for a public defender. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office confirmed they conducted a comprehensive financial evaluation, although details were not shared. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel now represents Burke, who was denied a request to delay the arraignment by Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo. The judge scheduled a status conference for October, with no trial date set.
Judge Olmedo’s decision followed a five-day evidentiary hearing in July, which determined there was adequate evidence for Burke to face trial on charges of murder, continuous lewd acts with a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. A second arraignment and plea, as seen on Monday, is customary following such judicial findings.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the change in legal representation would not affect how his office prosecutes the case, though it could delay proceedings. He emphasized the readiness of his office to prove all charges beyond a reasonable doubt, while still undecided on pursuing the death penalty.
In a related development, Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, also recently shifted from a prominent private lawyer to a public defender due to financial constraints.
Authorities allege Burke fatally stabbed Rivas Hernandez in April of the previous year, following her threats to reveal sexual abuse and potentially ruin his career days before his debut album release. Prosecutors presented evidence that she was sent an Uber by Burke and was killed upon entering his residence. Her body was discovered in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September, while he was on tour.
The prosecution argued that the evidence, described as “mountains of evidence,” was overwhelming, while Burke’s former legal team contended that evidence of murder was insufficient. D4vd, known for his musical style that fuses indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, gained viral fame on platforms like TikTok and Spotify, with hits such as “Romantic Homicide.” His first full-length album, “Withered,” was released just two days after the alleged murder in 2024.
