D4vd’s legal team abruptly withdraws; singer taps public defender for murder trial

LOS ANGELES —D4vd and his legal team parted ways, with the singer opting instead to be represented by public defenders in his high-profile murder case, he told a stunned courtroom Monday.

After lawyers had met with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers, defense attorney Blair Berk emerged and toldthe court that her client, whose real name is David Burke, wants the public defender.

“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?”Olmedo asked.

Burke responded, “Yes.”

The surprising turnaround came during what normally would have been a routine pretrial hearing in this case, in which Burke is accused of killing a 14-year-old girl, whose decaying remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned car.

Burke’s new attorney, Walid Fouad Kandeel, had been seated in the gallery until Berk disclosed the change of legal teams.

Olmedo then asked Kandeel to step forward and introduce himself to the court.

Kandeel asked for Monday’s arraignment to be continued to give him more time to study the case.

Olmedo denied the request and entered not guilty pleas on Burke’s behalf, promising to give Kandeel more time to prepare if he needed it.

Olmedo then orderedall parties to return to court Oct. 19.

Burke, shackled andwearing an orange jail jumpsuit,smiled and shook hands with his now-former attorneys Berk and Regina Peter as court was adjourned.Burke will remain in custody without bail.

“This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appoint the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel,” Berk said in a statement.

“We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges. 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.”

Celeste Rivas Hernandez.Courtesy Rivas Hernandez family

The public defender’s office extended its condolences to the victim’s loved ones.

“We recognize the loss of life underlying the allegations and extend our sympathies to those who are grieving,” the office said in a statement. “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.”

It wasn’t immediately clear why Burke and his lawyers separated.

“I’m sure the public defender will give him a zealous representation,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Olmedo ordered Burke, 21, on July 27 to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence at a preliminary hearing in connection with the slaying of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14.

Burke was arrested on the afternoon of April 16 at a house on Marmont Avenuein the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles police said.

Police found Celeste’s remains in the trunk of a Tesla impounded at Hollywood Tow on Sept. 8. Officers were drawn to the scene after reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.

Text messages between Burke and Celeste say she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion. And in an exchange in early January 2024, Burke apologized for “putting her through this.”

Madeline Morrison reported from Los Angeles and David K. Li from New York City.

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