LOS ANGELES — D4vd and his legal team parted ways on Monday and the singer opted instead to be represented by public defenders in his high-profile murder case, he told a stunned Los Angeles courtroom on Monday.
\n\nAfter lawyers had met with L.A. County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers, defense attorney Blair Berk emerged and told the court that her client, whose real name is David Burke, wants the public defender.
\n\n“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke,” Judge Olmedo asked.
\n\nThe defendant responded, “Yes.”
\n\nThe surprising turnaround came during what normally would have been a routine pre-trial hearing in this case, in which D4vd is accused of killing a 14-year-old girl, whose decaying remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned car.
\n\nJudge Olmedo entered not guilty pleas on behalf of the defendant before ordering all parties to return to court on Oct. 19.
\n\nThe defendant smiled and shook hands with his now-former attorneys Berk and Regina Peter as court was adjourned.
\n\nJudge Olmedo back on July 27 had ordered the 21-year-old artist to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence at a preliminary hearing in connection to the slaying of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
\n\nBurke was arrested on…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/