D4vd has parted with his legal team as he still stands on trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The embattled singer, legally known as David Anthony Burke, made the pivotal decision on Monday, telling a Los Angeles courtroom that he now wants to be represented by public defenders. Burke’s attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, followed up with a statement to the court, confirming that they are parting with their client.
“We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,” the attorneys stated, per Variety. “We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.”
What are the charges against D4vd?
Burke was in court for a post-preliminary hearing on Monday when he made the latest request to the judge. The 21-year-old artist, who is facing a first-degree murder charge and other counts related to lewd acts with a child and dismembering her body, pleaded not guilty in his latest appearance in court.
Burke was arrested on April 16, then ordered to appear for trial in July. Prosecutors said Burke murdered Hernandez after she threatened to publicize their relationship. According to NBC News, the 14-year-old was found dismembered in the trunk of Burke’s abandoned car.
What happened in the court as D4vd made changes to his legal team?
Although Burke’s new counsel asked the court for more time to study the case, the judge denied their request during Monday’s hearing and entered not guilty pleas on the defendant’s behalf. Burke shook hands with his parting attorneys as the court adjourned. The 21-year-old, who remains in custody without bail, is scheduled to appear for his next hearing on Oct. 19.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office expressed condolences to Hernandez’s family as they confirmed their commitment to defend Burke.
“We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving,” the office stated, per NBC News. “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.”