Mass incarceration cases like this one remind us how the legal system impacts young people in our communities. David Burke, better known as singer D4vd, confirmed in court Monday that he’s dropping his private legal team and turning his murder defense over to public defenders.
The 21-year-old is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and has pleaded not guilty. Mass incarceration affects how young Black and Brown artists navigate the justice system, and this case is no exception.
D4vd’s attorney Blair Berk announced the change after lawyers met with Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers.
“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?” Olmedo asked.
“Yes,” D4vd answered.
His newly appointed attorney, Walid Fouad Kandeel, had been sitting in the courtroom gallery before being asked to step forward and requested additional time before the arraignment to study the case. However, Olmedo declined and entered not guilty pleas for D4vd instead.
The judge said more preparation time could be granted later if necessary. It’s a reminder of how quickly these proceedings move, sometimes leaving little room for adequate preparation.
D4vd will remain in custody without bail and is due back in court October 19.
Berk said the court approved the change after “it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel.”
The public defender’s office also acknowledged Celeste’s loved ones, saying, “We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving.”
D4vd was ordered to stand trial in July. Celeste’s remains were discovered in the trunk of an impounded Tesla in September.
It remains unclear why D4vd and his private attorneys parted ways, but there’s been speculation online that the artist could have run out of funds to pay for his legal defense. Financial strain often forces talented young people to navigate the system without proper resources.
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