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Singer D4vd has parted ways with his legal representation in favor of public defenders for his case in which he is accused of allegedly killing and dismembering a 14-year-old girl.
The singer, whose real name is David
Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles court earlier this morning and asked to have the public defender’s office replace his legal team, which represented Harvey Weinstein and L.A. labor union leader David Huerta. According to the LA Times, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo granted his request and held a closed meeting with his attorneys
Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter shared in a joint statement that they were parting ways with their client after the court granted the request. “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,” reads the statement. “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.”
Burke’s appearance in court on Monday was a post-preliminary hearing where he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include a first-degree murder charge that could potentially make him eligible for the death penalty. He will also face charges for lewd acts with a child and for dismembering the girl’s body.
In July, Burke was ordered to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence that connected him to the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He was arrested on April 16 in Los Angeles and charged days later. Prosecutors alleged that Burke had murdered Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship and ruin his career.
The next hearing for Burke will take place on October 19.
