Singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This development follows the withdrawal of his high-profile legal team, who had their request to step down approved by a Los Angeles court.
Burke, who was charged with murder on April 20, will now be represented by a lawyer from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. His former lawyers stated they would "continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges."
Prosecutors have accused Burke of killing Hernandez and dismembering her body. Her remains were reportedly found in the front boot of a Tesla registered to Burke last September. Burke has denied the charges.
A judge ruled in July that Burke would go on trial for murder after a five-day preliminary hearing. The next hearing in the case is set for October 19, though no trial date has yet been established.