US singer D4vd’s celebrity lawyers withdraw from murder case

D4vd’s high‑profile legal team has pulled out of his murder case, leaving him to be defended by Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

The 21‑year‑old singer was charged with the murder of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found dismembered in a Tesla linked to his address. Prosecutors say he stabbed and dismembered the victim after alleged sexual abuse, while claiming the teen threatened to expose a relationship with a minor and jeopardise his music career.

After a preliminary hearing, a judge ruled he will stand trial on first‑degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 19 October, following a not‑guilty plea entered on Monday.

The celebrity attorneys, including Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, cited conflicts and have asked the court to withdraw. The public defender’s office will now provide a “highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators.” Deputy public defender Walid Kandeel voiced commitment to a thorough defense.

Evidence provided to the court includes threatening texts from the victim, such as “I’ll kill you” and threats to damage the singer’s career. The case also involves alleged financial motives, potentially leading to a death sentence.