Singer D4vd, charged with murdering and dismembering teen, dismisses lawyer
The judge approved the switch after finding David Anthony Burke qualified for appointed counsel, and prosecutors say the case may be delayed.
- On Monday, August 31, 2026, singer David 'D4vd' Burke appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court where his private defense team withdrew and Public Defender Walid Kandeel was appointed to represent him in the murder case.
- Authorities allege Burke killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 to protect his burgeoning music career after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship. Her dismembered remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to Burke.
- Financial manager Benjamin Greger testified Burke grossed between $10 million and $11 million from 2023 to 2025, yet the court determined he qualified for appointed counsel after evaluating his current financial circumstances.
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office continues evaluating whether to seek the death penalty, noting that the change in legal counsel will not alter how prosecutors pursue the case.
- A status conference is scheduled for October 19, 2026, where prosecutors plan to present forensic DNA matches and digital records supporting their allegation that Burke premeditated the murder.
211 Articles
211 Articles
There are serious accusations against US musician D4vd: he is said to have killed a 14-year-old and then dismembered her body with a chainsaw. His prominent lawyer's team is dismissing the case - now the defendant is again in court.
D4vd switches attorneys ahead of murder case hearing
D4vd switches attorneys ahead of murder case hearingSinger D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.During Monday's court hearing, Burke also changed his legal representation, with his...
D4vd loses defence lawyers ahead of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder trial; hires public defender
Singer D4vd's private lawyers withdrew from his case on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and sexual abuse. A public defender will now represent the singer in court. Prosecutors are still deciding whether to seek the death penalty. The case involves the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Singer Accused of Murder Loses High-Profile Lawyers
Singer D4vd lost his high-profile private lawyers Monday at a hearing where he entered a new not guilty plea to charges that he killed, sexually abused, and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. It's not clear why Blair Berk and her colleagues Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter parted ways with the...
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