Full Breakdown
D4vd Switches to Public Defender as Murder Case Moves Toward Trial
8/31/2026, 11:58:46 PM
Core Event
On August 31, 2026, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo approved singer David Anthony Burke—known as D4vd—to replace his private attorneys with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Deputy public defender Walid Fouad Kandeel entered not-guilty pleas for the charges stemming from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Background & Context
Burke faces three felony counts: first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he abused Rivas Hernandez for more than a year and killed her on April 23, 2025 after she threatened to expose their relationship. Her dismembered body was found in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla on September 8, 2025. A July 2026 preliminary hearing found the prosecution had met its burden of proof, allowing the case to proceed.
Timeline
- April 16, 2026 – Arrest in the Hollywood Hills.
- April 20, 2026 – First arraignment; not-guilty pleas entered.
- July 27, 2026 – Judge orders trial after preliminary hearing.
- August 31, 2026 – Private attorneys withdraw; public defender appointed; second arraignment, not-guilty pleas entered.
- October 19, 2026 – Status conference; trial timeline to be set.
Data & Statistics
- Reported earnings from Burke’s Interscope contract range from $10 million to $11 million.
- The murder charge carries a potential sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, pending a decision by District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
- Forensic report lists two penetrating wounds—right abdomen and left chest—as the cause of death.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Public Defender’s Office said a financial evaluation found Burke eligible for appointed counsel.
- Judge Olmedo denied a request to postpone the arraignment, noting the charging document remains unchanged and new counsel will have additional review time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Is that your wish, Mr. Burke,” — Judge Olmedo
- “We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence.” — Walid Fouad Kandeel
- “It appears to me, for the purposes of preliminary hearing, the people have met their burden of proof on all charges,” — Judge Olmedo
- “We have a minor who was sexually abused for many, many months,” — Beth Silverman, deputy district attorney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Financial eligibility: Testimony shows Burke earned at least $10 million from 2023-2025, yet the public defender’s office deemed him indigent; no detailed breakdown released.
- Reason for withdrawal: Former attorneys did not disclose why they withdrew, and no official explanation beyond the court’s eligibility finding has been provided.
- Evidence status: Prosecutors claim “mountains of evidence” support the charges, while the defense argues the evidence is largely circumstantial with no eyewitnesses or confessions.
What’s Next
The court will hold a status conference on October 19, 2026. The judge may set a trial date and consider motions from the new public defender, including requests for additional time to review evidence. District Attorney Hochman will later announce whether the death penalty will be pursued.
