Celebrity Attorneys Exit D4vd’s Murder Trial; Public Defenders Take Over
D4vd’s star‑powered legal team has stepped away from the murder trial that centres on the killing of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
High‑profile attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter announced via BBC that the court granted removal of the trio and that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has now been appointed to represent the singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.
D4vd, 21, pleaded not guilty to first‑degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse during his arraignment on Monday. The prosecution alleges that he stabbed the unarmed victim after a history of sexual abuse, then dismembered her body.
A judge ruled last month that D4vd will stand trial. A pre‑trial hearing is scheduled for 19 October, while the new counsel vows to "provide a defense that takes circumstances seriously and examines evidence closely," deputy public defender Walid Kandeel said.
The case is set to advance on special circumstances linked to financial gain, making the defendant potentially liable for a death sentence. Prosecutors claim that the teen threatened to expose a relationship with a minor and jeopardise D4vd’s career, leading to the fatal assault.
Further details were highlighted during a preliminary hearing that showcased text messages from the victim, including threats that caused additional allegations about pregnancy and abortion.
With the celebrity team stepping back, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office is ready to guide the judge and jury through a complex case that blends personal, legal and social implications.
