D4vd’s legal team abruptly withdraws; singer taps public defender for murder trial

LOS ANGELES — D4vd and his legal team parted ways, with the singer opting instead to be represented by public defenders in his high-profile murder case, he told a stunned courtroom Monday.

After lawyers had met with Los Angeles 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.

“Is that your wish, Mr. Burke?” Olmedo asked.

The surprising turnaround came during what normally would have been a routine pretrial hearing in this case, in which Burke is accused of killing a 14-year-old girl, whose decaying remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned car.

Burke’s new attorney, Walid Fouad Kandeel, had been seated in the gallery until Berk disclosed the change of legal teams.

Olmedo then asked Kandeel to step forward and introduce himself to the court.

Kandeel asked for Monday’s arraignment to be continued to give him more time to study the case.

Olmedo denied the request and entered not guilty pleas on Burke’s behalf, promising to give Kandeel more time to prepare if he needed it.

Olmedo then ordered all parties to return to court Oct.

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business