The murder case involving singer D4vd and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez took another dramatic turn Monday when the musician’s high-profile defense team withdrew from the case.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom and entered a new not-guilty plea to charges including murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

His former attorneys, including prominent celebrity lawyer Blair Berk, were replaced by a lawyer from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

The reason for the lawyers’ withdrawal was not publicly explained. The defense team said only that the court had approved their request to withdraw after Burke was determined to qualify for appointed counsel.

The Case Began With a Missing Teen
Celeste Rivas Hernandez disappeared before her 15th birthday.

Months later, authorities discovered her decomposed remains inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in the Hollywood Hills.

Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Celeste in April 2025 and later concealed her remains.

They claim the killing happened after Celeste allegedly threatened to expose their relationship and that Burke feared the revelation would damage his rapidly growing music career.

Burke has denied killing Celeste and has pleaded not guilty. His defense has argued that the evidence does not prove he caused her death.

Prosecutors Say They Have Significant Evidence
During a five-day evidentiary hearing in July, prosecutors presented extensive evidence to the court.

They alleged that Burke stabbed Celeste at his Hollywood Hills home before attempting to conceal her body.

Investigators also presented evidence involving tools and other items prosecutors say were purchased under a false name and delivered to Burke’s home after the alleged killing.

Prosecutors further said DNA evidence from Burke’s garage matched Celeste.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial.

A Young Life at the Center of a Shocking Case
Celeste was only 14 years old when she died.

Her case has drawn enormous attention because of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the discovery of her remains and the involvement of a young musician who had become internationally known through social media.

Burke rose to fame as a teenager through TikTok and streaming platforms, with his song “Romantic Homicide” becoming a major viral hit.

His music career was rapidly expanding before his arrest.

Now, instead of touring and releasing music, the 21-year-old is preparing to defend himself against some of the most serious criminal charges possible.

What Happens Next?
Burke remains in custody while the case moves toward trial.

His new public defender has already asked the court for additional time, but the judge denied the request to delay Monday’s proceedings.

A status conference is scheduled for October, although no trial date has yet been set.

Prosecutors have also said they are still deciding whether to pursue the death penalty.

For Celeste’s family, the case represents a long wait for answers about what happened to a teenage girl who disappeared and was later found dead.

For Burke, the next stage will be a courtroom battle over whether prosecutors can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was responsible for her death.

Until a jury reaches a verdict, the allegations against him remain just that — allegations.

Course: NY Post