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Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has undergone a major change in his legal representation as his murder case moves closer to trial.
Burke’s private attorneys were granted permission to withdraw from the case Monday, with the 21-year-old singer now being represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Public defender Walid Kandeel has stepped in to represent him. The reason for the change in representation has not been publicly disclosed.
The development comes after Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled in July that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to establish probable cause and ordered Burke to stand trial in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke appeared in court again Monday for his post-preliminary hearing arraignment and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He faces charges including first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 and later dismembered her body. Her remains were discovered months later inside an impounded Tesla registered to Burke. He has maintained his innocence as the case proceeds toward trial.
Lawyers for David Burke, aka singer D4vd, announced in a press release they are bailing on him and he’s now represented by public defenders.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 31, 2026
He’s to plead not guilty to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s murder in LA again today now that the judge has found probable cause. pic.twitter.com/IbjkHxp5Z7
