D4vd‘s murder case has taken an unexpected turn as the singer’s high-profile defense attorneys have withdrawn from the proceedings. The “Romantic Homicide” singer is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in a vehicle registered to him in 2025.
In late July, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. With his prominent legal team no longer representing him, a public defender has now taken over his defense.
On July 27, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that the prosecution had enough evidence against singer D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez for the case to proceed to trial, as reported by The Blast.
On August 31, D4vd’s second arraignment took place, which resulted in an unexpected turn in the case. According to reports, the singer’s prominent defense team withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons.
Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Petter, who have represented D4vd since October 2025, filed a motion to withdraw, citing that the singer “qualified for appointed counsel,” per NBC News.
D4vd is now represented by Walid Kandeel from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
The Singer’s Former Defense Team Releases Statement
The reason for withdrawal wasn’t publicly revealed, but D4vd’s former defense attorneys released a statement, saying, “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.”
Some are speculating that the transition to a public defender has to do with D4vd’s finances. The 21-year-old singer was a rising star and had made about $11 million before his career was derailed due to the criminal investigation. D4vd lost deals and partnerships, and he was also dropped by his record label.
The singer’s former defense team consisted of celebrity attorneys who have represented high-profile clients, including Kanye West, Britney Spears, Mel Gibson, and Harvey Weinstein. Maintaining the legal team may have placed a significant strain on D4vd’s finances, but the exact reasons for the team’s withdrawal remain confidential.
D4vd Re-Entered A Not Guilty Plea
Breaking: First photos of David Burke aka pdf d4vd, new lawyer leaving court. https://t.co/GEng8ExChi pic.twitter.com/Zby16TXXnT
— Ben (@benouthere26) August 31, 2026
D4vd is facing charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
In court, the Kandeel requested that the proceedings be delayed. However, the judge noted that the charges remain the same and denied the defense’s appeal, asking the singer to enter a plea. Kandeel entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf, the same one D4vd entered during his first arraignment shortly after his arrest in April.
In a statement, Kandeel noted that the team is “committed” to providing the singer a proper defense, noting that they will meticulously examine the evidence.
The Death Penalty Is Still On The Table For D4vd
The charges against D4vd are eligible for the death penalty, but the prosecution has not decided whether to seek it.
Outside the courthouse, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that his office has not received a mitigation packet from D4vd’s defense team. The mitigation packet is a set of documents or records that show a client’s history, accomplishments, or character. In D4vd’s case, it would serve as an argument why prosecutors should not pursue the death penalty.
Hochman stated his office would give additional time for the singer’s new counsel to present a mitigation packet for consideration before a decision is made.
D4vd’s Next Court Date Is Scheduled For October
Dv4d is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on October 19. According to Hochman, the judge may order the trial to proceed within 90 days after the preliminary hearing if the defense is ready to move forward. However, he also noted that the singer’s change of counsel may cause some delays.
D4vd is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.