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SOURCE: blacknews.com
D4vd is now represented by a public defender after his private attorneys withdrew from his case ahead of his second arraignment in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty again Monday to murder and other charges. Prosecutors accuse him of killing the teenager and dismembering her body, which was later found inside the trunk of his Tesla.
The judge approved the withdrawal of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilynne Bednarski, and their legal team without giving a reason for the change. Public defender Walid Kandeel then took over the case, according to ABC 7 NY. He asked the court to delay the arraignment, but the judge rejected the request. Burke entered not-guilty pleas 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 Oct. 19.
The change in lawyers has also raised questions about Burke’s finances. Legal analyst Lou Shapiro said the fact that no new private attorney immediately replaced the previous team could point to financial problems. Public defenders typically represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Previous testimony in the case said Burke earned at least $10 million during his music career. Celeste’s family disputes his claim of financial hardship and accused him of keeping money in various corporations and transferring assets to his mother and manager, Colleen Burke. The family also pointed to his large number of music streams and monthly listeners.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the change in defense lawyers would not slow down the prosecution. His office is prepared to move forward once the defense says it is ready. Prosecutors are also still considering whether to seek the death penalty. Hochman said Burke’s former attorneys had been given an opportunity to submit a mitigation packet arguing against a death sentence, but they withdrew before submitting it. He said the new defense team can still provide the information before prosecutors make a final decision.
The case is heading toward trial after a judge ordered Burke to stand trial last month following a preliminary hearing that included several days of testimony. Prosecutors allege that he killed Celeste because he feared she would reveal their alleged sexual relationship and damage his growing music career. Former prosecutor Joshua Ritter said proving premeditation could be one of the prosecution’s biggest challenges. He also said the defense could argue that the case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence because there are no known eyewitnesses or confession.
Investigators have pointed to physical evidence, including Burke’s alleged purchase of a chainsaw and the discovery of Celeste’s remains inside his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard last September. Ritter said those facts may be important to prosecutors but do not automatically establish premeditated murder. The defense could challenge how the evidence connects Burke to the killing or present another explanation for what happened. If convicted on the charges, Burke could face life in prison. Meanwhile, Celeste’s family said it wants whoever is responsible for her death to face the full force of the law.
