The celebrity lawyers hired to represent US musician D4vd have withdrawn from his case.
D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, will be defended by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, as he faces murder charges over the death of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in Los Angeles court on Monday.
A judge determined last month that Burke will stand trial for murder, with prosecutors alleging he stabbed the teen after years of sexual abuse and then dismembered her body. A pretrial hearing is set for 19 October.
Former celebrity lawyer Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, who previously represented high‑profile figures such as Mel Gibson and Britney Spears, were granted permission by the court to withdraw, citing that Burke qualified for appointed counsel. In a statement, the lawyers said, “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges, and we are grateful that the public defender’s office has taken over.”
Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel emphasized that Burke “is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence.” He pledged that the office is committed to a thorough defense.
Burke had already entered a not guilty plea to charges of first‑degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse. He returned to court on Monday to have the charges formally read and re‑entered the plea. The murder charges include special circumstances linked to financial gain that could make Burke potentially liable for the death penalty.
Prosecutors claim Burke killed Hernandez to silence her threats that could expose his relationship with a minor and jeopardize his multi‑million dollar music career. Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing shows texts from Hernandez expressing threats to kill and damage his career.
After receiving an Uber from Burke’s Hollywood home, Hernandez was allegedly stabbed by Burke upon arrival.
