Defense lawyers for singer D4vd withdraw from murder case

Singer D4vd, formerly known as David Anthony Burke, has withdrawn his private defense lawyers in a murder case against him. The case involves the alleged murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The defense attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, withdrew from the case at a hearing where Burke entered a new not guilty plea.

Their replacement came in the form of a lawyer from the Los Angeles County public defender’s office. Burke's earnings from music between 2023 and 2025 amounted to at least $10 million, which had raised questions about his eligibility for a public defender, whose job is to defend clients who cannot afford their own lawyer. The public defender's office completed a thorough financial evaluation and confirmed his eligibility.

Burke's new lawyer, Deputy Walid Kandeel, acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and expressed sympathy for the grieving families. He also emphasized that Burke is entitled to a defense that considers his circumstances and thoroughly examines the evidence. Celeste's dismembered and decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of Burke's Tesla in September while he was on tour.

Prosecutors argue that there is overwhelming evidence to support their case, while Burke's lawyers claim that there is insufficient evidence to prove murder.