D4vd’s lawyers make sudden exit as singer prepares for murder trial

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, will be represented by public defenders in his murder case after his private legal team withdrew from the proceedings.

Burke appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday for a pre-trial hearing, where he confirmed that he wanted to be represented by a public defender. The change came after his attorneys, Blair Berk and Regina Peter, met with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers.

“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?” the judge asked, to which the 21-year-old singer responded, “Yes.”

Judge Olmedo entered not guilty pleas on Burke’s behalf and ordered the parties to return to court on October 19.

Burke is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege that Hernandez’s remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla that had been impounded at a Hollywood tow facility.

Police found the remains on September 8, 2025, after reports of a foul odour coming from the vehicle, according to authorities.

Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, at a property on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A judge previously ordered Burke to stand trial on July 27 after prosecutors presented evidence during a preliminary hearing.

The case has also included references to text messages between Burke and Hernandez. According to the evidence presented in court, messages indicated that Hernandez had become pregnant at 13 and had undergone an abortion. In a January 2024 exchange, Burke allegedly apologised for “putting her through this”.

Burke has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. His switch to public defenders comes as the case moves towards the next stage of proceedings in October.