Not Guilty Pleas Entered
Musician D4vd Pleads Not Guilty as Public Defender Takes Over High-Profile Case
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Key Points
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Prosecutors allege a sexual relationship began in November 2023 when Burke was 18 and Celeste was 13, a factor in charges that include continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.
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Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla that had been impounded at a Hollywood tow facility.
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The case moved from a private, high-profile defense team to a public defender after Berk, Bednarski and Peter withdrew; the court appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office and the defense files were handed over to the public defender.
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Burke appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit with unshackled hands, and the judge entered not guilty pleas to all charges; a status conference was scheduled for October 19.
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Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty; the decision remains pending before the Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman.
Singer D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, lost his high-profile defense team in court this week and now faces murder charges with a public defender. CP24 reports he entered not guilty pleas to all charges, including murdering, sexually abusing, and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has shifted from private counsel to the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office after Burke ran out of money for his lawyers.
Prosecutors allege Burke started a sexual relationship with the victim in November 2023 when she was just 13 years old. WBAL reports that Celeste's remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow facility. The court scheduled a status conference for October 19, and prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Private Legal Team Withdraws After Funds Run Out
Burke's prominent lawyers — Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter — withdrew from the case during his latest court hearing. CTV News reports the lawyers stepped away after Burke could no longer pay their fees. The judge then appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office to represent him going forward.
The shift from private to public counsel is common when defendants exhaust their resources. Daily Camera notes that Burke appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit with unshackled hands as the transition took place. His defense files were handed over to the public defender's team.
Not Guilty Pleas Entered for All Charges
At the hearing, the judge entered not guilty pleas to all charges against Burke. Delco Times reports he faces counts of murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment. The pleas do not reflect Burke's actual position but are standard procedure when a defendant either refuses to enter a plea or when the court enters a plea on their behalf.
Death Penalty Decision Still Pending
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet decided whether to pursue capital punishment. CP24 reports the death penalty decision remains pending as prosecutors review the evidence. A status conference on October 19 will allow both sides to update the court on case developments. Trial is expected to begin within 90 days of the arraignment.
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