Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, pleaded not guilty again on August 31 as his criminal case involving the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez moved into another major stage. The latest development also changed the legal team defending him: his private attorneys withdrew, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office took over his representation.
The change has put the d4vd lawyers at the center of renewed attention. Burke previously had a high-profile defense team consisting of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter. The court approved their withdrawal after determining that Burke qualified for appointed counsel.
Key Points Summary
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ – D4vd pleaded not guilty during a Los Angeles court hearing on August 31. ║
║ – His private attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter withdrew from the case. ║
║ – The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office now represents David Anthony Burke. ║
║ – Public defender Walid Kandeel appeared for Burke during the latest hearing. ║
║ – Burke faces murder and other serious charges connected to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. ║
║ – His next scheduled court appearance is October 19, while a trial date has not been set. ║
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D4vd Lawyers Change as Murder Case Moves Forward
The latest courtroom development concerns both Burke’s plea and his legal representation.
During Monday’s hearing in Los Angeles, the court approved the withdrawal of Burke’s private defense attorneys. The judge then appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to represent him.
The attorneys who left the case were Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter. Their statement said the court determined that Burke qualified for appointed counsel. They also said they continued to support his defense.
The new defense team includes public defender Walid Kandeel, who appeared during the hearing.
The switch does not mean Burke has admitted guilt. He continues to deny the allegations through his defense, and the case remains unresolved.
Why Did D4vd Switch to a Public Defender?
The court’s decision followed a financial evaluation that found Burke eligible for appointed representation, according to the Associated Press.
The development has attracted attention because Burke became commercially successful before his arrest. Reports have highlighted earnings from his music career and record deal.
However, the precise reason his private attorneys withdrew has not been publicly established. His former lawyers did not announce a specific dispute, conflict or other explanation for their departure.
That distinction matters.
Some media reports have speculated about Burke’s finances. Those reports should not be treated as proof that financial problems caused the change. The confirmed development is that the court approved the withdrawal and appointed the public defender’s office after determining Burke qualified for appointed counsel.
Who Were D4vd’s Previous Lawyers?
Burke’s previous defense team included three prominent attorneys.
Blair Berk served as one of his principal defense lawyers. She entered Burke’s earlier not-guilty plea and represented him during important proceedings in the case.
Marilyn Bednarski also represented Burke and was part of the private defense team that later withdrew.
Regina Peter was the third attorney listed as part of the former team.
All three attorneys left the case after the court approved their request. Their departure does not amount to a finding against Burke or establish wrongdoing by any member of the former defense team.
The new public defender now faces the task of handling a case that prosecutors have built over months of investigation and court proceedings.
D4vd Pleads Not Guilty in Teen Murder Case, Switches to Public Defender
The August 31 hearing produced the development reflected in the secondary search term D4vd Pleads Not Guilty in Teen Murder Case, Switches to Public Defender.
Burke’s new attorney sought additional time before the arraignment. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo rejected the request, and the court proceeded with the hearing. Burke then pleaded not guilty through his attorney.
The plea covers the criminal allegations filed against him. It does not resolve the factual dispute between prosecutors and the defense.
Burke remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The judge also did not set a trial date at the latest hearing. A status conference is scheduled for October 19.
What Charges Does D4vd Face?
Burke faces several serious criminal allegations tied to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Prosecutors have accused him of first-degree murder, sexual offenses involving a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The precise charges and allegations have developed through the criminal proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 and later mutilated her remains. Her remains were eventually discovered inside a Tesla associated with Burke.
The prosecution has presented evidence during earlier proceedings that it says connects Burke to the alleged crime. That evidence includes forensic material and digital communications.
Burke’s defense has maintained his innocence.
The allegations remain allegations unless and until they are proven in court.
What Happened to Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 when authorities said she died.
Her disappearance and death became the subject of a lengthy investigation. Authorities later found her decomposed remains in a Tesla at a Los Angeles-area tow yard in September 2025.
Investigators eventually connected the vehicle to Burke and developed a case that prosecutors presented publicly in 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Burke had a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez and that the relationship played a role in the alleged killing. Burke’s defense disputes the prosecution’s account.
The case has received widespread attention because of Burke’s public profile and the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
Important D4vd Case Timeline
September 2025: Authorities discovered the decomposed remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez inside a Tesla at a Hollywood-area tow yard.
April 2026: Authorities arrested Burke and prosecutors formally charged him in connection with Rivas Hernandez’s death. He pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance.
May 2026: A Los Angeles judge scheduled proceedings to determine whether enough evidence existed for the case to proceed toward trial.
July 2026: Prosecutors presented evidence during a preliminary hearing, including forensic and digital evidence. The defense continued to maintain Burke’s innocence.
August 31, 2026: Burke’s private attorneys withdrew. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office took over his representation, and Burke entered another not-guilty plea.
October 19, 2026: Burke is scheduled to return to court for a status conference. A trial date has not been announced.
What Happens Next for D4vd’s Defense?
The public defender’s office will now handle Burke’s defense as the prosecution continues its case.
The next major court date is October 19. That hearing should provide more information about the procedural direction of the case, although a trial date has not yet been established.
The defense will have to review the evidence gathered during the investigation and earlier hearings. That includes material prosecutors have already presented publicly and evidence that may remain subject to court procedures.
The change in lawyers also creates a new chapter in a case that has already gone through several significant hearings.
For readers following the d4vd lawyers story, the central confirmed development is straightforward: Burke is now represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office after his previous private attorneys withdrew.
Why the Legal-Team Change Matters
A change in defense counsel can attract attention in a high-profile criminal case, but it does not by itself establish why the change happened or predict the eventual outcome.
In Burke’s case, the court determined that he qualified for appointed counsel. The former attorneys did not publicly identify a specific reason for their withdrawal beyond the court’s appointment of the public defender’s office.
The new representation also does not change the prosecution’s burden of proof.
Prosecutors still must establish the charges in court. Burke remains entitled to a defense and to the presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.
That legal principle remains important as the case continues to receive intense public attention.
The Latest Status of the D4vd Case
As of the latest update, Burke remains in custody while the criminal proceedings continue. He has pleaded not guilty and is represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
The prosecution has accused him of killing and mutilating Rivas Hernandez and of committing sexual offenses involving the teenager. Burke has denied responsibility for her death through his defense.
A judge previously found sufficient evidence for the case to move toward trial. The next scheduled proceeding is the October status conference.
No final verdict has been reached.
What Readers Should Know About D4vd Lawyers Now
The most significant legal development is the replacement of Burke’s private attorneys with a court-appointed defense team.
Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter are no longer representing him. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the case after the court determined Burke qualified for appointed counsel.
Burke has again pleaded not guilty, and his case remains active.
The upcoming October hearing should provide the next major procedural update. Until then, claims about the reasons behind the attorney change should be separated from the confirmed court record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are D4vd’s lawyers now?
A: D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is now represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Public defender Walid Kandeel appeared for him at the latest hearing.
Q: Why did D4vd’s private lawyers withdraw?
A: His former attorneys did not publicly give a specific reason. The court approved their withdrawal after determining Burke qualified for appointed counsel.
Q: Did D4vd plead guilty?
A: No. Burke pleaded not guilty during the August 31 hearing.
Q: What charges does D4vd face?
A: He faces murder and other serious charges involving the death and alleged mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, along with alleged sexual offenses involving a minor.
Q: Who was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
A: She was a 14-year-old girl whose remains were discovered in a Tesla associated with Burke in 2025. Her death is the subject of the criminal case against him.
Q: When is D4vd due back in court?
A: Burke is scheduled for a status conference on October 19, 2026. No trial date has been set.
Q: Does having a public defender mean D4vd has been found guilty?
A: No. The appointment of a public defender concerns legal representation. Burke remains presumed innocent, and prosecutors must prove the charges in court.
The Bottom Line
The latest d4vd lawyers development changes who will defend David Anthony Burke, but it does not determine the outcome of his criminal case. His former private attorneys have withdrawn, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over, and Burke has pleaded not guilty. The case remains active, with his next scheduled court appearance set for October 19.