Singer D4vd loses private legal team ahead of murder trial

Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has lost his high-profile private legal team. During a recent court hearing in Los Angeles, his previous attorneys, including Blair Berk, withdrew from the case. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled that Burke qualifies for a court-appointed lawyer, leading to the appointment of Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel.

Despite testimony indicating Burke earned at least $10 million from music between 2023 and 2025, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office stated that a financial evaluation confirmed his eligibility for state representation. The specific reasons for the private defense team's departure were not disclosed.

Burke has entered a new plea of not guilty to charges including murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. The charges stem from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors are currently considering whether to seek the death penalty. A status conference has been scheduled for October, though no trial date has been set.