D4Vd’S Lawyers Shockingly Withdraw At Arraignment – Public Defender Steps In As Murder Case Advances

Legal Shake-Up at Arraignment

Lawyers Withdraw, Public Defender Takes Over

The murder case against singer D4vd took a dramatic turn at his arraignment on Aug. 31 – his private lawyers stepped away, and the courtroom was left watching as the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office took over. The 21-year-old, born David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty to a string of grave charges as his legal team changed unexpectedly.

Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter released a statement saying the switch happened after it was determined Burke qualified for appointed counsel. They emphasized their continued support for him even as the public defender assumed representation.

"We continue to support David and appreciate that the public defender's office has stepped in to provide a committed defense during this difficult process," the former legal team said in a statement.

Charges and Allegations – What He’s Accused Of

Murder, Sexual Crimes, and Mutilation Charges

District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at the arraignment: first-degree murder with additional special circumstances, lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old, and mutilation of human remains. Burke has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty.

Prosecutors say the beating and killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was part of a horrific sequence of events that included dismemberment. Hochman said the case is being handled with the full weight of the DA’s office as it moves through the courts.

Evidence, Timeline, and How the Case Unfolded

Arrest, Indictment Details, and Relationship Allegations

Burke was arrested on April 16 after an investigation that culminated in charges alleging he killed Rivas Hernandez and dismembered her body in his garage in April 2025. The indictment states the pair’s relationship allegedly began in 2022 when she was 11 and he was 16, and prosecutors say Burke feared she would expose their relationship ahead of his debut album release.

Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found months later in September inside an impounded Tesla registered to Burke at a Los Angeles tow yard. The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner later ruled the official cause of death as "two penetrating wounds" to her right abdomen and left chest.

Preliminary Hearing, Evidence Presented, and the Road to Trial

Judge Sends Case Forward After Graphic Evidence

A five-day preliminary hearing in July included prosecutors showing graphic photos and detailed testimony. After reviewing that evidence, the judge ruled there was enough to send the case to trial. That decision moved the matter out of preliminary hearings and into full prosecution.

Hochman noted the next hearing is set for Oct. 19, which begins a 90-day window where the court can order a trial if the defense is ready to proceed. He cautioned, though, that the timeline could be stretched out to give the new public defender time to review the evidence.

Prosecutor’s Position and Possible Penalties

Life Sentence or the Death Penalty on the Table

The DA’s office said it is prepared to prove all three charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Hochman stated the prosecution could seek a sentence of life without parole or, if chosen after further review, the death penalty – though he has not yet decided to pursue capital punishment.

He explained his team is waiting on a mitigation packet from the defense – it typically covers background information and factors that might argue against the death penalty. Hochman added the office will give Burke’s new lawyers time to prepare any such materials should they choose to present them.

What Comes Next

Defense Review, Motions, and Court Scheduling

With private counsel withdrawn and the public defender handling the case, expect a period of review and possible motions from the defense, including a potential motion to dismiss one or more charges. Hochman underscored the DA’s readiness to move forward, while also acknowledging the courts must allow fair time for the defense to prepare.

Between the arraignment, the earlier preliminary hearing ruling, and the evidence already presented, the case is clearly headed for intense courtroom battles. The next scheduled hearing on Oct. 19 will be a key date in the timeline as both sides prepare for what could be a lengthy and high-stakes trial.