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Singer D4vd is now being represented by a public defender after his lawyers withdrew from his case Monday, ahead of his second arraignment on murder and other charges connected to the death of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla.
Lawyers for the 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, were granted a withdrawal, and public defender Walid Kandeel stepped in. D4vd’s next court date is in October.
D4vd once again pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Last month, a judge ordered him to stand trial after hearing evidence and days of testimony during a preliminary hearing.
Prosecutors allege that he brutally killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year because she was afraid he would go public with their sexual relationship and ruin his budding music career.
Former prosecutor turned defense attorney Joshua Ritter says for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the premeditation part of this crime is likely going to be the hardest part to prove.
But the defense may have a much harder job trying to convince a jury anyone else killed Rivas Hernandez.
“I think the biggest challenge for the defense is that we’re at a point where there is no one else so clearly linked to this crime but him,” Ritter said. “So unless he is able to present some other suspect that is viable enough to bring that up at trial – or… some alternate theory as to how the murder took place. But then again, that would be conceding ground that he actually committed the murder but it was much more of a manslaughter – and that might be what they’re left with by the time we get to trial.”
Ritter also said the defense could poke holes in the prosecution’s case. They could argue without eyewitnesses or confessions. Everything against D4vd is circumstantial.
While there is plenty of physical evidence such as his purchase history of a chainsaw to allegedly dismember Rivas Hernandez’s body – and the fact that her body was found inside of his Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard – those things don’t necessarily prove premeditation or even murder.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman is expected to speak following the arraignment on the progress of the case as it moves closer to trial.
If convicted as charged, D4vd could face life in prison.
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