Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, will be represented by a public defender in his murder case after his private attorneys withdrew from the proceedings.
The 21-year-old appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday for a pre-trial hearing, where he confirmed his decision to accept court-appointed representation.
The change followed an in-chambers meeting involving Burke’s private attorneys, Blair Berk and Regina Peter, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo.
“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?” Olmedo asked after confirming the change in representation. Burke replied, “Yes.”
The judge entered not guilty pleas on Burke’s behalf and scheduled the case to return to court on October 19.
Burke is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside the trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow facility on September 8, 2025. Authorities said police were called after reports of a foul odour coming from the vehicle.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrested Burke on April 16, 2026, at a property on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills.
Following a preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented evidence against him, a judge ruled on July 27 that there was sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial.
Court proceedings have also included evidence concerning messages allegedly exchanged between Burke and Hernandez. Prosecutors said the messages indicated that Hernandez became pregnant at 13 and subsequently underwent an abortion. In one January 2024 exchange presented in court, Burke allegedly apologised for “putting her through this.”
The latest hearing concerned Burke’s legal representation and did not determine the allegations against him.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.