Singer D4vd Changes Legal Team, Enters Not Guilty Plea in Teen's Death

The platinum-selling artist, born David Anthony Burke, entered a not guilty plea at his rearraignment on charges related to the sexual abuse, killing, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. His high-profile attorneys Blair Berk and Marilyn Bednarski withdrew from the case, and the court appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office after determining Burke qualified for publicly funded counsel. The new defense team requested a delay to review transcripts, but the judge denied the motion, noting the same three charges remain.

The rearraignment marked a significant shift in the case, as Burke’s original legal team—known for representing high-profile clients—stepped down after the court found him eligible for publicly funded counsel despite his platinum-selling music career. His new public defenders entered the not guilty plea, though the judge rejected their request for more time to review case transcripts, citing the unchanged three-count charging document. Burke remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 19.

The charges stem from allegations that Burke sexually abused Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old, before killing and dismembering her, with her remains found in his Tesla’s front trunk. A preliminary hearing in July concluded with a judge ruling prosecutors met their burden, based on testimony from law enforcement and financial employees from his management and label. A recent investigative report also detailed prior concerning behavior, though no trial date has been set.