Rapper D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is now without his legal team as a public defender has been appointed to his defense in the trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. Burke's attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, informed the judge on Monday that they could no longer represent him.
"This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel," the former legal team stated. They added, "We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. 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."
During the same hearing, Burke pleaded not guilty to Rivas's murder, as well as to charges of child sex abuse and mutilation in connection with her death. The public defender who has taken over the case reportedly indicated that Burke is indigent, raising questions about his financial situation.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Berk stated in court that Burke had requested the public defender's office replace his counsel. The reason for this change was not disclosed by Burke's former attorneys. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo approved the change in representation.
A spokesperson for the LA County Public Defender's Office confirmed that while they could not share specific financial information, a review of Burke's finances indicated his eligibility for appointed counsel. This development is notable given that it was previously presented in court that Burke had earned millions from a recording contract before the trial began.
LA County Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and expressing sympathy for those grieving, while also affirming Burke's right to a thorough defense. "At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense."
This change in representation follows revelations from prosecutors that Rivas was not pregnant at the time of her death in April 2025. Sources close to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office stated in late July that prosecutors do not believe she was pregnant when she was killed and that her body was in a state of decomposition. An addendum to Rivas's death certificate in April 2026 indicated it was unknown if she had been expecting a child in the year prior to her death, a change from an earlier indication of "no."
Prosecutors allege that Burke murdered Rivas on April 23, 2025, fearing that their relationship would jeopardize his career. He is accused of fatally stabbing her and then dismembering her remains with a chainsaw in an inflatable pool at a Hollywood Hills home. The victim's remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, in a Tesla registered to Burke, with prosecutors noting the presence of small blue plastic fragments from the pool embedded in the remains.
Burke was ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented text messages suggesting Rivas was pregnant and had an abortion a year prior to her death. Detective Corey Farell testified that phone records indicated a 2023 pregnancy and a January 2024 abortion, with Rivas reportedly texting Burke, "Of course it's yours David." Farell also testified that Burke had inquired about Rivas's medical appointment and expressed feelings of waiting for test results. The detective noted that Burke's phone contained images of child sexual abuse material involving Rivas, which were not presented due to their graphic nature.
During Farell's testimony, Rivas's parents expressed distress. Testimony also indicated that Rivas's parents had consented to her traveling with Burke to London and later to Texas in late 2024. Prosecutors presented evidence that Burke had purchased plane tickets for these trips. Rivas's family was aware of her relationship with the musician, and they had traveled together in 2024.
An attorney for the Rivas family stated their horror at the defense attorneys' attempts to shift blame onto the 14-year-old victim. Judge Olmedo found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, ordering Burke held without bail, with an arraignment scheduled for August 31. Prosecutors argued that the evidence was overwhelming and presented only a fraction of what they possess. They are considering seeking the death penalty, as Burke is eligible due to special circumstances found by the judge, including lying in wait, killing for financial gain, and killing a potential witness.