D4vd switches attorneys ahead of murder case hearing

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

During Monday's court hearing, Burke also changed his legal representation, with his previous high-profile attorneys stepping down and being replaced by public defenders from the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office. 

His former legal team confirmed the change was made after Burke qualified for appointed counsel, adding that they continue to support him moving forward.

Burke's new attorney requested more time to review case documents, but the judge denied the request, noting that the charges remain the same as those originally filed when Burke was arrested earlier this year. 

A new hearing has been scheduled for October, though no trial date has been set yet.

Rivas Hernandez's body was discovered in September 2025 inside a vehicle registered to Burke. He was arrested and charged in April in connection with her death and has denied all charges.

Prosecutors say Burke and Rivas Hernandez had a relationship that began when she was a minor. 

Authorities allege that Burke was responsible for her death, and an autopsy determined she died from stab wounds. Investigators later identified her through a distinctive tattoo.