Public Defender Takes Over Representation of Singer Charged in Teen's Murder
After his private lawyers withdrew, the 21-year-old singer known as D4vd will be defended by a public attorney as he faces murder and related charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Los Angeles – A public defender has been appointed to represent David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer who performs under the name D4vd, following the withdrawal of his private counsel ahead of a second arraignment on murder and related charges. The court denied the new counsel’s request to postpone the hearing, and Burke again entered a not-guilty plea to murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Public defender Walid Kandeel said his office will provide a thorough defense while acknowledging the loss of life involved. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the change in representation does not affect the prosecution’s readiness to proceed and that the office remains prepared to pursue the death penalty, pending a mitigation packet from the defense.
Legal analysts noted that the lack of a private replacement attorney may reflect financial issues for Burke, who has previously earned substantial income from his music career. They also observed that California’s current moratorium on executions reduces the likelihood of a death-penalty plea deal. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager to prevent her from exposing a sexual relationship that could damage his career, while defense commentators highlighted the challenges of proving premeditation and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.
The victim’s family has questioned Burke’s eligibility for a public defender, suggesting he may be concealing assets, but they reiterated their focus on obtaining justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.