Singer D4vd Faces Possible Death Penalty As His Lawyers Withdraw From Murder Case

The legal team representing American singer D4vd has withdrawn from his murder case, leaving the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to take over his defence.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is facing trial over the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The 21-year-old singer was arrested at a property in Hollywood on April 16 and remains in custody without bail.

D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances.

He also faces separate allegations involving lewd acts with a minor and the alleged mutilation of a body.

The singer pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his first court appearance following his arrest.

Prosecutors have made a number of allegations against the singer.

During preliminary proceedings, they claimed D4vd bought items online that could have been used to dispose of Rivas Hernandez’s body.

According to prosecutors, D4vd allegedly stabbed the teenager several times at his home.

They also said he made several online purchases under a false name after the alleged killing.

The items prosecutors referred to included two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a body bag and a shovel.

On Monday, reports emerged that D4vd’s three privately hired defence lawyers had asked the court to remove themselves from the case.

Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter were granted permission to withdraw.

In a statement, the lawyers said they continued to support D4vd and his defence against the charges.

“We continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges,” the lawyers wrote.

“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.”

Berk is a well-known US defence lawyer who has previously represented high-profile figures including actor Mel Gibson, actress Lindsay Lohan, filmmaker Harvey Weinstein and singer Britney Spears.

The murder case could carry the possibility of a death sentence because prosecutors have included special-circumstance allegations involving financial gain.

KanyiDaily had reported how D4vd was arrested on suspicion of being linked to the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in a Tesla belonging to him.