Celebrity Lawyers Quit Representing US Singer D4vd Amid Murder Trial

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:05:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The prominent legal team has stepped away, leaving D4vd to face murder accusations with a public defender in Los Angeles.

Pop star D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murdering 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and has withdrawn his celebrity lawyers. The case, which centers on alleged sexual abuse and a subsequent murder, now moves to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Despite serious allegations—including claims the teen threatened Burke’s career—he pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. The abrupt change raises questions about the legal strategy ahead of the October 19 hearing.

Celebrity lawyers quit representing US singer D4vd amid murder trial

The trio of high‑profile attorneys—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter—have withdrawn from representing 21‑year‑old pop star David Anthony Burke (known on stage as D4vd) as he confronts murder charges linked to the death of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Burke, who faced a not‑guilty plea on Monday and had previously been assigned a public defender, is accused of stabbing Hernandez after a period of alleged sexual abuse, then dismembering the body. Prosecutors argue the killing was motivated by the teen’s threats to expose Burke’s relationship with a minor and sabotage his music career.

A judge ruled last month that Burke will stand trial for murder; a pre‑trial hearing is set for 19 October. With the celebrity legal team stepping aside, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office will now lead the defense, ensuring Burke receives professional representation and a thorough examination of the evidence.

The former defense attorneys highlighted their willingness to support Burke “throughout this serious matter” and expressed gratitude for the public defenders’ commitment. Former clients of Berk include notable figures such as Mel Gibson, Harvey Weinstein, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.

Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel affirmed that Burke is entitled to a robust defense that “carefully examines the evidence” while acknowledging the potential severity of the charges, including a possible death penalty if financial gain is proven.

The case continues to unfold as new evidence, including text messages that detail threats from Hernandez, comes to light. The Los Angeles legal community watches closely as the trial approaches.