Last Updated: September 1, 2026 
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Singer D4vd has changed legal representation as the criminal case against him continues in Los Angeles.
Burke’s privately retained attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, withdrew from representing him on August 31. The court subsequently appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office after Burke was determined to be eligible for appointed counsel.
Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel has taken over Burke’s defense.
The precise circumstances behind the change in representation have not been publicly disclosed.
Burke’s former attorneys said the court granted their request to withdraw and appoint the Public Defender’s Office after Burke was determined to qualify for appointed representation. They also indicated that they continued to support his defense.
Public Defender Takes Over D4vd’s Defense
The change in counsel occurred during Burke’s August 31 court appearance before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo.
Burke indicated in court that he wanted appointed counsel to represent him.
After taking over the case, Kandeel asked the court to postpone the arraignment so that the new defense team would have additional time to review the case and prepare. Judge Olmedo denied the request to delay the proceeding, and a not guilty plea was entered on Burke’s behalf.
The change from privately retained attorneys to appointed counsel does not itself alter the charges, establish the strength of the prosecution’s case, or indicate that Burke has admitted wrongdoing.
Criminal defendants have a constitutional right to legal representation. Defendants who meet applicable financial eligibility requirements may have counsel appointed at public expense. In Burke’s case, the court determined that he was eligible for appointed representation before the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office assumed his defense.
D4vd Faces Murder and Other Criminal Charges
Burke is facing murder and other criminal charges arising from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Hernandez at his Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025 and later concealed her remains. Her remains were discovered in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla associated with Burke after the vehicle was taken to a Hollywood tow yard.
The prosecution has also alleged special circumstances in connection with the murder charge, including allegations involving lying in wait, financial gain and the killing of a witness in a criminal investigation.
Burke also faces allegations involving the sexual abuse of a child and the unlawful mutilation of human remains.
These allegations have been brought by prosecutors and have not been established as facts at trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Judge Previously Found Sufficient Evidence for the Case to Proceed
The August 31 arraignment followed a preliminary hearing held in July.
After several days of testimony and evidence, Judge Olmedo determined that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to hold Burke to answer on the charges and allow the criminal case to proceed.
A preliminary-hearing ruling is not a determination that a defendant is guilty. At this stage of a California felony prosecution, the court considers whether the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for the defendant to be held to answer the charges.
The prosecution would still have to prove the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Burke’s previous defense attorneys challenged the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence and maintained his innocence.
What Happens Next in the D4vd Case?
Burke is scheduled to return to court on October 19, 2026, for a status conference.
The hearing is expected to give the court, prosecutors and the defense an opportunity to address the status of the case and preparation for the next stage of the proceedings.
No trial verdict has been reached, and the criminal case remains pending.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not yet made a final decision regarding whether to seek the death penalty.
For now, Burke remains in custody without bail while his newly appointed defense team prepares for the continuing proceedings.
The substitution of counsel is therefore a procedural development in the case. It should not be interpreted as evidence concerning Burke’s guilt, the strength of the prosecution’s allegations, or the eventual outcome of the prosecution.
Disclaimer: This report is provided for general informational purposes only and concerns an ongoing criminal prosecution. David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Allegations described in this report reflect claims made by prosecutors and should not be treated as established facts or final judicial findings. The court’s decision following the preliminary hearing to hold Burke to answer on the charges is not a determination of guilt. The status of the charges, legal representation, potential penalties, and future proceedings may change as the case develops. This article does not constitute legal advice.
