Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appears in Los Angeles Superior Court and pleads not guilty in a murder case involving the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. At a Monday hearing, his previously retained private defense attorneys withdraw, and he is represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
Multiple outlets report that the change in representation happens as D4vd faces charges that include murder and related offenses, with allegations that he also sexually abused the teenager. NBC News and the Los Angeles Times describe the courtroom as surprised by the decision. The Guardian and BBC News say it is not clear why the private lawyers—named in some reports—part ways with him.
Some stories link the switch to questions about the reasons for the withdrawal and possible financial concerns, while others focus on the procedural outcome: D4vd’s not-guilty plea, his current detention without bail, and the scheduling of a next court appearance in October 2026. Reports agree on the key facts of the case posture and the representation change, but differ on speculation about why the private attorneys left.
