Singer D4vd’s lawyers withdraw from murder case in surprising move

Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.

A major change has been made to singer D4vd's legal representation as the murder case against him in the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez moves forward.

The 21-year-old, born David Anthony Burke, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder with additional special circumstances, lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old and mutilation of human remains, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday, Aug. 31.

At the arraignment, Burke's lawyers withdrew in a shocking move, leaving him with a public defender. Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement to USA TODAY that the decision came "after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel."

"We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges," they added. "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."

Burke, who was arrested on April 16, is accused of killing then-14-year-old Rivas Hernandez and dismembering her body in his garage in…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/