D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is accused of killing Celeste Rivas, 14, whose mutilated remains were found in his Tesla.
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D4vd legal team abruptly withdraws, singer taps public defender for murder trial
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 defendant responded, “Yes.”
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.
