D4vd abruptly fires legal team and 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 Los Angeles courtroom on Monday.

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

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

The surprising turnaround came during what normally would have been a routine pre-trial hearing in this case, in which D4vd is accused of killing a 14-year-old girl, whose decaying remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned car.

D4vd’s new attorney, Walid Fouad Kandeel, had been seated in the gallery until Berk disclosed the change of legal teams.

Judge Olmedo then asked the public defender to step forward and introduce himself to the court.

The defendant’s new counsel asked for Monday’s arraignment to be continued to give him more time to study the case.

The judge denied that request before entering not guilty pleas on behalf of the defendant, promising to give Kandeel more time to prepare if he needed it.

Olmedo then ordered all parties to return to court on Oct. 19.

The defendant smiled and shook hands with his now-former attorneys Berk and Regina Peter as court was adjourned.

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

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

“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.”

Judge Olmedo back on July 27 had ordered the 21-year-old artist to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence at a preliminary hearing in connection to the slaying of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

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

Beack on Sept. 8 of last year, police found the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, in the trunk of a Tesla impounded at Hollywood Tow. Officers were drawn the scene after reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.

Text messages between Hernandez and the defendant say she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion.

And in one exchange between the girl and the suspect 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.