LOS ANGELES (TCN) — The 21-year-old singer D4vd, charged with murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl, has exchanged his private attorneys for a public defender.
In April, Burke, known professionally as D4vd, was charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered and decomposing body was found in the front trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla while he was on tour promoting an album.
Following a preliminary hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled on July 27 that there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial.
At a court hearing on Aug. 31, Burke asked to exchange his team of high-profile attorneys for public defenders, and Olmedo granted the request, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Burke’s defense attorney Blair Berk requested to withdraw, NBC News reports. In a statement obtained by the outlet, Berk said, “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. … 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.”
Olmedo reportedly held a hearing about the requested change in representation, but the transcript of that hearing has been sealed, per the Times. According to a spokesperson for the L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, an investigation of Burke’s financial records determined that he was eligible to obtain the office’s services.
L.A. County Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel said, “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,” the Times reports.
NBC News reports that Burke is due back in court on Oct. 19.
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