D4vd's High-Profile Legal Team Steps Down in Murder Case

In a surprising turn of events, US musician D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, has lost the backing of his celebrity lawyers as he prepares for a murder trial. The attorneys—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—have officially withdrawn from the case, leading to the appointment of a public defender to represent the 21-year-old.

Burke faces serious charges in the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in a vehicle registered to him in September 2025. In a Los Angeles court, he pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and mutilation, with special circumstances linked to financial gain.

Prosecutors claim Burke killed Hernandez out of fear that she would expose their relationship and jeopardize his burgeoning music career. Evidence presented during preliminary hearings included threatening text messages from Hernandez, which suggested escalating tensions between them.

Despite the change in legal representation, Burke's new public defender, Walid Kandeel, reassured that he would receive a thorough defense. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County's top prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, expressed readiness to proceed with the case, although the withdrawal of Burke's high-profile team might cause delays as the new lawyers familiarize themselves with the evidence.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk