US musician D4vd, 21, will now be represented by a public defender after his high-profile legal team withdrew from the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- Celebrity lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter have withdrawn from D4vd's defense.
- The 21-year-old singer is now represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office.
- The case involves the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
In a stunning legal development, the elite defense team hired by US musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has officially withdrawn from his murder trial. Burke, 21, stands accused of the brutal killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to the singer's residence.
Appearing in a Los Angeles court on Monday, Burke maintained his plea of not guilty. However, the gravity of the charges is immense; prosecutors allege that Burke subjected the teenager to years of sexual abuse before stabbing her to death and subsequently dismembering her body to conceal the crime.
The Shift in Legal Representation
The departing legal team, led by Blair Berk—who has previously represented high-profile figures like Mel Gibson, Britney Spears, and Harvey Weinstein—stated that the court granted their request to withdraw. The statement noted that D4vd "qualified for appointed counsel," leading to the appointment of the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office.
BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition from a private "celebrity" legal team to a public defender often occurs when the financial burden of a prolonged trial becomes unsustainable or when the legal strategy shifts toward a plea-bargain approach. Given that the charges include special circumstances related to financial gain, the stakes are incredibly high, as these factors can make a defendant eligible for the death penalty in California.
"The withdrawal of a top-tier legal team often changes the public perception of a case, potentially signaling a weakening of the defense's initial posture."
The prosecution's motive is rooted in fear and reputation. They allege that Hernandez threatened to expose the relationship between the adult singer and the minor, which would have effectively ended his multi-million dollar music career. Text messages presented in court show a volatile exchange on April 22, 2025, where the victim threatened to "end [his] career and [his] life." The following day, Hernandez was picked up by an Uber sent by Burke and taken to his Hollywood home, where prosecutors say she was murdered.
| Feature | Previous Defense Team | Current Defense Team |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Private Celebrity Counsel | Public Defender |
| Notable Clients | Mel Gibson, Britney Spears | Indigent/Qualified Defendants |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the specific charges against D4vd?
He is charged with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse.
2. When is the next court date?
A pretrial hearing is currently scheduled for October 19.
