D4vd’s Latest Court Appearance Lasts Just Minutes

David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer better known as D4vd, returned to a Los Angeles courtroom Monday for a brief status conference in his high-profile murder case, but the hearing resulted in few developments beyond setting another court date.

The proceeding lasted only a few minutes, with Burke’s new public defenders confirming they are working with prosecutors to obtain additional discovery. His next status conference is scheduled for January 11, 2027.

The courtroom atmosphere was relatively relaxed, with prosecutor Beth Silverman appearing in good spirits, Burke’s defense attorneys smiling and chatting among themselves, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo exchanging pleasantries with others in the courtroom.

Burke appeared clean-shaven, without glasses and with noticeably longer hair. He again sat hunched over, his elbows resting on his chair in his familiar casual posture. When he briefly addressed the judge, responding, “Yes, your honor,” his voice was notably light.

Deputy Public Defenders Walid Kandeel and Nicole Jones were both present.

Burke, who has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, appeared before Olmedo for a status conference focused on the next steps toward trial.

Credit: Patrick Steinfeld

The hearing comes nearly two months after Burke’s prominent private attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, abruptly withdrew from the case during his August 31 arraignment. Burke was assigned representation through the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel has since taken over Burke’s defense.

As previously reported by Los Angeles, the sudden change in representation prompted an unusually public clash over Burke’s finances. Celeste’s family, through attorney Patrick W. Steinfeld, questioned why the once-rising musician, whose songs generated billions of streams, should qualify for a taxpayer-funded defense. The family, through Steinfeld, has also filed a wrongful death civil suit.

In a previous statement provided to Los Angeles, Steinfeld argued that Burke was not indigent and pointed to several businesses associated with the singer, including D4VD Entertainment, Skullrose Merchandising and Headspace Publishing. The Public Defender’s Office said it had evaluated Burke’s financial circumstances and determined he qualified for representation. Burke’s former attorneys have not publicly explained the circumstances behind their withdrawal. A transcript of a closed-door hearing addressing the change was sealed.

The latest proceedings follow a five-day preliminary hearing in July, during which prosecutors presented evidence connecting Burke to Celeste’s death, including disturbing text messages, cellphone data, financial records, online purchases and forensic findings.

Prosecutors allege Burke sexually abused Celeste before killing her in April 2025 and dismembering her body to conceal the crimes. Her dismembered remains were discovered months later, in September 2025, inside the front trunk of his Tesla in Hollywood.

The prosecution has argued that Burke killed the teenager after she threatened to expose their relationship, potentially jeopardizing his growing music career. His former defense team challenged the prosecution’s largely circumstantial case, questioning the timeline, investigative methods and absence of a recovered murder weapon.

On July 27, Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to move forward on all charges and special-circumstance allegations. That ruling was not a determination of guilt.

Burke pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has previously said his office has not decided whether to pursue the death penalty. If convicted of the most serious charges and allegations, Burke could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or a possible death sentence.

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