Singer D4vd Switches to Public Defender in Murder Case
The musician known as D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, dismissed his private counsel and will now be represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in a murder trial.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo heard a request on Monday for the singer D4vd, legally David Burke, to replace his private attorneys with a public defender. After a brief exchange, the judge confirmed the change and entered a not-guilty plea on Burke’s behalf, scheduling the next hearing for Oct. 19.
Burke faces a murder charge for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla linked to the defendant. He was arrested in April after police linked him to the vehicle.
Attorney Blair Berk issued a statement noting that the court approved the withdrawal of her team and the appointment of the public defender, adding that the office has a “highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators.” The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office expressed condolences to the victim’s family and affirmed its duty to provide a thorough defense.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the public defender would provide “zealous representation.” The court denied Burke’s request to postpone the arraignment, but the judge indicated additional preparation time could be granted if needed.