D4vd's Celebrity Lawyers Withdraw From Murder Case
Celebrity defense attorneys for US singer D4vd have withdrawn from his murder trial, with a public defender appointed to represent him in Los Angeles.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- High-profile defense attorneys for US musician D4vd have withdrawn from his murder case
- The Los Angeles court has appointed the County Public Defender's Office to represent him
- D4vd, 21, pleaded not guilty to murder, human mutilation, and child sexual abuse charges
- Prosecutors allege the motive was tied to threats to expose their relationship and career
The high-profile legal team hired to represent US musician D4vd in his upcoming murder trial has officially stepped down from the case, leaving the 21-year-old artist with a court-appointed public defender to handle his defense in a Los Angeles court.
Defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter confirmed in a statement that the court granted their request to withdraw from representing David Anthony Burke. Berk, who previously represented notable figures such as Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan, stated that the singer qualified for appointed counsel.
The transition from a celebrity-tier private legal team to a public defender marks a pivotal shift in a major criminal proceeding. While private attorneys typically deploy extensive independent investigative resources, public defenders manage heavy caseloads yet bring systematic institutional defense capabilities. The incoming defense team indicated they would need additional time to meticulously review the extensive evidence file, which could influence the procedural timeline of the upcoming trial phases.
Burke returned to a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday to have the charges formally read and re-entered a not guilty plea. He faces serious charges including first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse regarding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to his address.
Prosecutors have alleged that Burke killed Hernandez because the teenager threatened to expose their relationship and jeopardize his multi-million dollar music career. Evidence presented during preliminary proceedings detailed arguments and threats made by the victim prior to her arrival at his Hollywood residence via an Uber sent by the musician.
"We continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges."
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel stated that Burke is entitled to a thorough defense that examines all available evidence carefully. Kandeel acknowledged that the transition in legal representation could introduce procedural delays, require additional time for evidence review, or potentially prompt motions regarding the dismissal of the case.
A pre-trial hearing for the case has been officially scheduled for October 19 as the legal proceedings move forward toward trial.
Source: BBC World
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