US singer D4vd’s celebrity lawyers withdraw from murder case

Celebrity attorneys formerly engaged to defend US singer D4vd in his forthcoming murder trial have taken themselves out of the legal proceedings. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is now being represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office. The 21-year-old musician pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose remains were discovered in September 2025 within a Tesla parked at Burke's residence.

Burke appeared in a Los Angeles court on Monday, where a judge ruled that he would face a murder trial. Prosecutors claim that Burke stabbed the teen after enduring years of sexual abuse, subsequently dismembering her body. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 19th. In a statement to the BBC, attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter disclosed that the court had granted their request to withdraw from the case and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office to handle Burke's defense.

They expressed their ongoing support for D4vd and his defense against the serious charges, while acknowledging the appointment of a highly capable and committed legal team. Berk, who has represented high-profile figures like Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan, declared that Burke was entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances into account and thoroughly examines the evidence.

Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel stated that Burke was entitled to a defense tailored to his specific situation and that the team was committed to providing this defense. Los Angeles County's chief prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, confirmed outside the courtroom on Monday that his office was prepared to proceed with the case against Burke.

He noted that the change in lawyers could potentially delay proceedings, necessitate more time for evidence review, or lead to a motion to dismiss the case. Burke had already entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse. The trial included special circumstances related to financial gain that could potentially result in Burke receiving the death penalty.

Prosecutors alleged that Burke killed Hernandez due to threats she made against him on April 22, 2025, concerning his relationship with a minor and the potential damage to his multi-million dollar music career. Text messages from Hernandez, obtained during a preliminary hearing, revealed threats to kill him and damage his career or life following their argument. On April 23, Hernandez visited Burke's Hollywood home in a taxi that Burke had arranged for her.