**Title: US Singer D4vd's Celebrity Lawyers Withdraw from Murder Case**
**Los Angeles, CA** – The legal team representing musician D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has officially withdrawn from his murder case. This decision comes as Burke prepares to face serious charges in relation to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 in a vehicle registered to Burke's address.
Burke, 21, pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse during a court appearance on Monday. The allegations against him suggest a disturbing narrative, with prosecutors claiming that Burke stabbed Hernandez after years of sexual abuse and subsequently dismembered her body. The case has garnered significant media attention, particularly due to Burke's status as a rising star in the music industry.
The celebrity lawyers who initially took on Burke's defense—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—submitted a request to withdraw from the case, which the court granted. Following their withdrawal, Burke has been assigned a public defender to continue his legal defense. In a statement to the BBC, the former legal team expressed their continued support for Burke, stating, "We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him."
Berk, who led the defense team, has a notable history of representing high-profile clients, including actor Mel Gibson and producer Harvey Weinstein. The public defender's office, now responsible for Burke's case, has pledged to provide a thorough and serious defense. Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel emphasized the importance of examining the evidence carefully, stating, "Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously."
The upcoming pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 19, where further developments in the case are expected. Burke's previous not guilty plea will be formally acknowledged as he prepares to defend himself against the serious allegations. The murder charges include special circumstances related to financial gain, which could potentially expose Burke to the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that the motive for the crime stemmed from Hernandez's threats to disclose their relationship, which could jeopardize Burke's burgeoning music career. Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing included text messages from Hernandez that indicated escalating tensions between the two. One message reportedly contained a threat to "end [Burke's] career and [his] life," reflecting the volatile nature of their interactions.
As the case unfolds, the public and legal observers are closely monitoring the proceedings, given the gravity of the charges and the implications for both Burke and the broader community. The trial is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Hernandez's tragic death and the events leading up to it.
The legal process will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, with both the prosecution and defense preparing for what promises to be a complex and high-stakes trial.