D4vd murder trial: Singer's powerhouse defense attorneys withdraw from murder case

LOS ANGELES - David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, pleaded not guilty Monday to murder and other charges stemming from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found dismembered and decomposing in the trunk of his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard.

Burke faces charges of murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He will now be represented by a public defender after his powerhouse attorneys withdrew from the case. 

The Rivas Hernandez released a statement saying they were shocked to learn that D4vd will be represented by a public defender. 

"It is unfathomable that our justice system qualifies David Anthony Burke as indigent when D4VD has 5+ billion streams with 16 million monthly listeners on a single streaming platform, and 
controls three corporations (D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising and Headspace Publishing). The residents of Los Angeles County should be outraged because it will be the 
taxpayers that are picking the tab to defend this millionaire on charges of murder, continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14 years of age, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. 
David Anthony Burke is not indigent. His assets are protected by his companies. Perhaps he would have money if he just asked one of his corporations, or if he had not fraudulently transferred assets to his mother/manager Colleen Burke (who is raking in $75,000 a year from D4VD Ent.) in a blatant attempt to "protect his estate from any civil suit, so the victim’s family wouldn’t be able 
to... get... that money", as was testified to in Burke’s Preliminary Hearing."

SUGGESTED: D4vd hires Hollywood powerhouse defense team to fight murder charges

What we know:

Burke is accused in the brutal killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. 

In late July, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that there was enough evidence in the case for it to move to trial following a five-day preliminary hearing filled with graphic evidence and distributing testimony. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: D4vd murder case: Judge rules singer will stand trial in killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Key evidence presented against the "Romantic Homicide" singer during the preliminary hearing included graphic autopsy and crime scene photos, digital paper trails of aliases used to purchase cleanup materials, financial records establishing a multimillion-dollar motive, and forensic DNA evidence.

Prosecutors allege the Lake Elsinore teenager was killed after she threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship ahead of the release of his debut album, "Withered." Meanwhile, the defense argued the Inland Empire teen allegedly lied about her age and that her family consented to their relationship. The defense also revealed text messages that Rivas Hernandez threatened Burke before taking a ride-share from Riverside County to the Hollywood Hills in what investigators said was the final night of her life. 

When the case gets in front of a jury, prosecutors will have to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, including the theory that this killing was planned.

What we don't know:

It's unknown why Burke's attorneys stepped away from the case. 

What they're saying:

"The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent David Burke. We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense," Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel said in a statement released Monday. 

"Very often in these cases, a new lawyer will take additional time to review all the evidence in the case in order to make sure that that new lawyer is ready to proceed," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman explained. "That may or may not happen in this case. What also may or might not happen is that that attorney will evaluate the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing, and they can file a motion to dismiss one or all three of the charges based on legal grounds. We don't know if that at this time if that will happen."

If convicted, Burke faces life in state prison without the possibility of parole. The DA's office has not decided if they will seek the death penalty. 

The backstory:

On Sept. 8, 2025, the dismembered remains of Rivas Hernandez were discovered inside two bags inside the front trunk ("frunk") of an impounded Tesla registered to the singer at a Hollywood tow yard. Investigators said the vehicle had been impounded after it was illegally parked near a Hollywood Hills home Burke was renting for a reported $20,000 a month. 

What's next:

Burke is due back in court on Oct. 19 for a pre-trial hearing.  

SUGGESTED COVERAGE:

• D4vd murder case: LAPD Chief slams ‘far off’ social media theories
• Celeste Rivas: Video from former teacher could be 'smoking gun' in case
• Celeste Rivas case: Investigator says 'it's very clear' who parked D4vd's Tesla with teen's body inside
• D4vd’s friend, Neo, arrested after failing to appear as grand jury witness: TMZ
• D4vd moves out of $20,000 a month Hollywood Hills rental amid homicide investigation

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