Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges including first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, also faces allegations of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, mutilation of human remains, and special circumstance enhancements such as lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness in a criminal investigation.
Burke’s legal team switched from high-profile private attorneys to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office ahead of the arraignment. His former attorneys—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—filed a statement confirming their withdrawal and expressing continued support for Burke. The Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo denied a request to postpone the arraignment, leading to the formal entry of the not guilty plea. Burke is scheduled to return to court on October 19 for a status conference.
Core allegations and timeline
Prosecutors allege that Burke and Hernandez were involved in a sexual relationship that began when she was 13 years old. Hernandez reportedly became pregnant and had an abortion during the course of the relationship. Prosecutors claim Burke stabbed her to death on April 23, 2025, after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his music career. Her dismembered and decomposing remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025. The medical examiner determined her cause of death as multiple penetrating wounds.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, led by Nathan Hochman, has not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty if Burke is convicted. Hochman stated that prosecutors are preparing for trial and anticipate a vigorous defense from Burke’s new legal team.
Legal representation and financial eligibility
Burke’s eligibility for a public defender was confirmed after a financial evaluation by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel stated that Burke is entitled to a defense that thoroughly examines the evidence. The public defender’s office expressed sympathy for Hernandez’s family while emphasizing Burke’s right to a fair trial.
Charges and special circumstances
Burke faces the following charges:
- Capital murder with special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness.
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child under age 14.
- Mutilation of human remains.
The lying-in-wait allegation stems from prosecutors’ claim that Burke invited Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on the day of her death. The financial gain allegation is tied to Burke’s efforts to protect his multimillion-dollar recording deal, which prosecutors allege was threatened by Hernandez’s knowledge of their relationship. Hernandez was considered a key witness in the case.
Burke was arrested on April 16, 2025, and has been held without bail since that time. A pretrial hearing is set for October 19, with the trial date to be determined pending further proceedings.