Singer accused of murdering teen pleads not guilty

LOS ANGELES (NBC, KYMA) - Another court hearing for former TikTok star/singer D4vd, who has pleaded not guilty in the death of a teenager.

The singer, whose real name is David Burke, was also assigned a new attorney from the Public Defender's Office during Monday's hearing in a Los Angeles courtroom.

Burke was charged with first degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, including special circumstances allegations that can increase sentencing penalties.

Hernandez's decomposed body was found last September in the front trunk of a Tesla impounded at a Los Angeles tow yard.

Police said Hernandez's death likely occurred in the spring of last year.

Burke faces one count each of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provided a statement on the case Monday, attributable to Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel:

"The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent David Burke. We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving. At the same time, David Burke is entitled to a defense that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence. We are committed to providing him with that defense."