D4vd’s defense is now being handled by a public defender.
D4vd’s attorneys have stepped down amid his murder trial.
The 21-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances – including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation – in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Now, TMZ has reported his legal team have stepped down, and a public defender has taken over his defense.
On Monday (31.08.26), his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement: “This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed 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.”
They told the judge they could no longer represent the star, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.
Berk said in court that D4vd had asked the public defender’s office to replace his team, but a reason for the change hasn’t been revealed.
LA County Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel told the LA Times newspaper in a statement: “We recognise 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.’
Celeste’s mutilated and decomposing body was found seven months ago in the front trunk of the rapper’s car.
The autopsy report was completed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner in December, but it was initially kept sealed pending the police investigation.
The autopsy found two wounds to the torso, one in the upper abdomen which penetrated the liver, and one in the left chest.
D4vd has also pleaded not guilty to charges of lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a person under 14 years old and the mutilation of a human body.
If convicted, he could face either life without parole or the death penalty.
D4vd’s legal team steps down amid murder trial
