The legal battle surrounding singer D4VD and the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken another suprising turn, with the singer now represented by a public defender after his high-profile private attorneys withdrew from the case.
D4VD, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 19.
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D4VD claims he cannot afford private lawyers
A key issue surrounding the latest development is D4VD’s financial situation.
According to ABC7, the 21-year-old singer is now relying on a public defender after his private legal team, including attorneys Blair Berk and Marilynne Bednarski, was granted permission to withdraw. The reason for their departure was not publicly provided. Public defender Walid Kandeel has since taken over the defense.
The change has drawn attention because previous testimony indicated that Burke had earned at least $10 million during his relatively short music career. Public defenders are generally appointed for defendants who cannot afford private representation.
