D4vd Pleads Not Guilty, Switches to Public Defender in Murder Case

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, August 31, 2026, where his high-profile private legal team withdrew and was replaced by a public defender. The 21-year-old artist pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During the hearing, which was a post-preliminary hearing arraignment, defense attorney Blair Berk informed Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo that Burke wished to be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office. Judge Olmedo asked Burke to confirm the decision, and he responded affirmatively. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel then took a seat beside Burke at the counsel table. Kandeel requested a continuance to review the case materials, but the judge denied the request, stating the charges were not particularly complicated, and entered not guilty pleas on Burke's behalf. The next court appearance was scheduled for October 19, 2026, for a status conference.