NewzSinger D4vd, legally identified in court records as Burke, has transitioned to representation by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office following the withdrawal of his private legal counsel. The change occurred during a court hearing on August 31, 2026, where the defendant entered a new plea of not guilty to charges including the murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The defendant remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The appointment of a public defender follows the departure of his previous private attorneys, marking a significant shift in his defense strategy for the high-profile case.
In-depth summary · AI, neutralD4vd’s private lawyers withdraw from case: Why did he switch to a public defender?
How the coverage differs
Same story, different emphasis — here's what each outlet chose to lead with.
The Guardian World (GB)
Focuses on the severity of the specific criminal charges
Times of India (IN)
Emphasizes the procedural timeline and the defendant's custody status