The switch to public defense in the D4vd case marks a shift in resources and strategy. Walid Kandeel now handles the defense of David Anthony Burke, the singer facing first-degree murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation charges tied to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The appointment follows a financial eligibility review that ended representation by his prior private team.
Background on Walid Kandeel
Kandeel earned his law degree from UC Davis in 2008 and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2005. He was admitted to the California Bar in 2009. His path into Los Angeles County defense work began in 2011.
He moved between the main Public Defender’s Office and the Alternate Public Defender’s Office before returning to the main office in 2022. Colleagues describe him as steady in serious felony cases and familiar with the county’s most demanding courtrooms.
Professional memberships include the California Public Defenders Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the State Bar of California, and the American Bar Association. These ties reflect standard credentials for a deputy public defender handling complex felony matters.
Appointment in the D4vd Update
The change occurred on August 31, 2026, the same day the court confirmed Burke’s eligibility for public defense services. Kandeel was assigned the case directly. The move ended work by Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter.
Previous counsel issued a statement supporting the transition and noting the Public Defender’s Office would provide capable representation. The office itself stated that Burke is entitled to a defense that examines the evidence carefully and takes his circumstances seriously.
The appointment follows the preliminary hearing in July 2026, which found probable cause. Burke has pleaded not guilty. A status conference is set for October 19, 2026, with no trial date scheduled yet.
Recent court filing details
On September 15, 2026, Kandeel filed a declaration requesting private jail access without physical barriers. The request covers himself, co-counsel Nicole Joens, and paralegal Rosemary Lopez. He also sought permission to bring a laptop for reviewing evidence with the client.
The filing specifies review of social media content and possible video evidence. Such access requests are routine in cases that rely on digital material, yet they require formal approval in a custody setting.
The motion underscores the defense’s need to examine discovery methodically before the next hearing. Public defenders often file these requests early to establish workable conditions for case preparation.
Case background and charges
Burke was arrested in April 2026. The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of his Tesla on September 8, 2025. Prosecutors allege first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains. Death penalty eligibility remains on the table.
The case gained attention because Burke built a following through TikTok and Fortnite content before releasing music that charted. Public interest has stayed high since the body was discovered and has continued through each court date.
Media coverage has focused on both the allegations and the procedural steps that follow. The shift from private counsel to the Public Defender’s Office adds another layer to reporting on how the case will proceed.
Public defender workload realities
Los Angeles County public defenders carry heavy caseloads that include multiple serious felonies at once. Kandeel’s experience with such dockets is typical for deputies assigned to high-profile matters once eligibility is confirmed.
The office often coordinates additional staff, including investigators and paralegals, to manage discovery volume. Early filings about jail access and evidence review are part of that coordination.
Observers note that public defender teams tend to emphasize thorough examination of digital records and forensic material over early public statements. The September 15 declaration fits that pattern.
Comparison with prior representation
Burke’s previous attorneys are known for high-profile criminal defense work. Their withdrawal after the financial review shifted the case to county resources without public dispute from either side.
Private counsel often manage cases with larger support teams funded by the client. Public defender offices operate within county budgets and staffing limits, which can affect pacing and strategy.
The transition does not change the charges or the prosecution’s evidence, but it does alter how discovery will be reviewed and how motions will be prepared going forward.
Media and public reaction
Local and national outlets reported the lawyer change within hours of the August 31 hearing. Coverage noted the contrast between the earlier private team and the county office now handling the case.
Online discussion has centered on the upcoming status conference and what evidence the defense will seek to examine next. Some observers track filings for indications of how the defense intends to approach the October hearing.
Reporting has stayed focused on procedural developments rather than speculation about trial outcomes. Court records remain the primary source for confirmed information.
Next steps in the proceedings
The October 19 status conference will address scheduling and any pending motions. The defense filing on jail access is likely to be resolved before or at that date.
Additional discovery review will continue in the background. Public defender offices typically use these intervals to organize large volumes of digital and forensic material.
No trial date has been set. The case remains in the pre-trial phase, where motions and evidence handling determine how quickly it moves toward resolution.
Implications for ongoing coverage
The D4vd Update now centers on how Kandeel and his team prepare for the next hearing while managing discovery in a high-profile custody case. Readers following the proceedings can track filings and statements from the Public Defender’s Office for confirmed developments. The next court date will provide further clarity on the pace and focus of the defense.
