Prominent lawyers hired to represent the U.S. pop artist have withdrawn from his case.
The singer, David Anthony Burke, popularly known as D4vd, is now being represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office for the alleged murder of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
He pleaded not guilty and faces charges of first‑degree murder, dismemberment of a body and child sexual abuse.
Prosecutors claim he killed the teenager after she threatened to expose his intimate relationship with a minor, which could ruin an already high‑profile music career.
The charges include special circumstances that could lead to a death sentence.
A preliminary court hearing last month formally read the charges, and the next pre‑trial conference is scheduled for 19 October.
Leading the former defense team, lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter have represented high‑profile celebrities such as Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Mel Gibson and Harvey Weinstein for years before withdrawing, citing acceptance of the public defender’s appointment.
