Singer D4vd’s Celebrity Lawyers Withdraw From Teen Murder Case

Musician D4vd dismissed his high-profile celebrity defense team during a court appearance on April 20, 2026, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, according to reports from the BBC and ABC News. Burke pleaded not guilty on April 20, 2026, to first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, according to ABC News. Prosecutors allege that Burke ordered an Uber that brought Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, where he stabbed her multiple times before dismembering her body. Her decomposed remains were discovered in September 2025 inside body bags located in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke’s address.

Celebrity Defense Team Withdraws After Prior Representation

Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter stated that a judge granted their request to withdraw from the case because Burke qualified for appointed counsel, according to the BBC. Berk previously represented high-profile figures including actor Mel Gibson, film producer Harvey Weinstein, singer Britney Spears, and actress Lindsay Lohan.

We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges, the departing defense attorneys said in a statement reported by the BBC. We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.

Public Defender Assignment and Upcoming Pretrial Schedule

Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel addressed the transition in a statement reported by ABC News and the BBC, noting that the office recognizes the underlying loss of life. David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence, Kandeel said. We are committed to providing him with that defense.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated following the April 20, 2026 hearing that a pretrial date is scheduled for October 19, 2026, at which point attorneys will confirm if they are ready for trial within 90 days, according to ABC News. Burke has remained held without bail since his arrest in April 2025, and prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty.