Singer D4vd's legal team withdrew from his case Monday, just hours before he was due back in a Los Angeles courtroom for a second arraignment in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
D4vd, 21, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is now represented by public defender Walid Kandeel. A reason for the previous attorneys' withdrawal was not made public.
"We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving," Kandeel said in a statement. "David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence."
Kandeel asked the judge to postpone the arraignment to allow time to prepare, but the request was denied. Burke once again pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the change in representation would not affect the prosecution's approach and confirmed his office is still weighing whether to pursue the death penalty if Burke is convicted.
A status conference has been set for Oct. 19, with trial expected to begin within 90 days of that hearing. A judge ruled in July that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial following a five-day preliminary hearing.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, of Lake Elsinore, was reported missing by her family in 2024 before her remains were discovered in September 2025. As the case moves toward trial, the Rivas family continues to carry the weight of their loss - and remains in the thoughts and prayers of a community still seeking answers and justice on their behalf.
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