In brief
D4vd, the 21‑year‑old musician known as David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the murder of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. His celebrity defense team – Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter – have formally withdrawn, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him. The change of counsel may delay proceedings and will require a reassessment of evidence before the pre‑trial hearing on 19 October. Prosecutors remain ready to pursue the case, citing the gravity of the allegations and the potential death sentence.
The celebrity lawyers who had been hired to defend US singer D4vd have officially withdrawn from the case. The defendants, who was legally named David Anthony Burke, face charges of first‑degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse in connection with the death of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Under a court order, the county public defender’s office was appointed to take over the case. An official statement said that the defence team “qualified for appointed counsel” and that the public defender would “examine the evidence carefully.”
The change of counsel could delay the prosecution’s schedule and might require additional time to review evidence. Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor Nathan Hochman said outside the courtroom that the office was ready to proceed and that the defence was expected to provide zealous representation.
Berk, who previously represented figures such as Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, was the lead attorney in the defence team. The pre‑trial hearing is now set for 19 October, when the charges will be formally read and the defendant may re‑enter a not‑guilty plea that includes the new counsel.
Prosecutors argue that Burke killed Hernandez to stop her from exposing his alleged relationships with minors and to protect his music career. Evidence presented at recent hearings included threatening text messages from Hernandez, the victim, and purported motivations linked to possible financial gain. The court will decide whether the case may still move forward under the new legal representation.
