David Burke, better known as singer D4vd, confirmed in court Monday that he is dropping his private legal team and turning his murder defense over to public defenders.
The 21-year-old is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and has pleaded not guilty.
D4vd’s attorney Blair Berk announced the change after lawyers met with Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers.
“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?” Olmedo asked.
“Yes,” D4vd answered.
Lawyers for David Burke, aka singer D4vd, announced in a press release they are bailing on him and he’s now represented by public defenders.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 31, 2026
He’s to plead not guilty to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s murder in LA again today now that the judge has found probable cause. pic.twitter.com/IbjkHxp5Z7
His newly appointed attorney, Walid Fouad Kandeel, had been sitting in the courtroom gallery before being asked to step forward and requested additional time before the arraignment to study the case, but Olmedo declined and entered not guilty pleas for D4vd.
The judge said more preparation time could be granted later if necessary.
D4vd will remain in custody without bail and is due back in court October 19.
Berk said the court approved the change after “it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel.”
The public defender’s office also acknowledged Celeste’s loved ones, saying, “We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving.”
haven't posted media in a minute #stillabaddie pic.twitter.com/cmpOB4By3Z
— d4vd (@d4vddd) August 19, 2025
D4vd was ordered to stand trial in July. Celeste’s remains were discovered in the trunk of an impounded Tesla in September.
It remains unclear why D4vd and his private attorneys parted ways but there has been some speculation online that the artist could have run out of funds to pay for his legal defense.