Recording artist D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has dismissed his private legal team in court and requested representation through the public defender’s office. The musician made this decision during a Los Angeles court appearance on Monday morning, and the presiding judge approved the request. Burke’s former attorneys, who had previously represented high-profile clients, released a joint statement expressing their continued support for their ex-client while welcoming the transition to public defenders.
Burke faces serious criminal charges stemming from allegations that he killed and dismembered a 14-year-old girl. These charges include first-degree murder, which carries the potential for capital punishment, along with additional counts related to lewd conduct with a child and the disposal of the victim’s remains. Prosecutors claim Burke committed the crime after the victim threatened to reveal their relationship and damage his career.
The artist has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges during Monday’s proceeding. A judge previously ruled in July that sufficient evidence existed to move the case forward to trial following a preliminary hearing. Burke’s next scheduled court date is set for October 19. He was initially arrested in April and charged days thereafter in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Originally reported by Variety →
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