The lawyers representing US singer D4vd have withdrawn from his upcoming murder trial, with the musician now assigned a public defender to handle his defence.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is facing trial over the alleged murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The 21-year-old singer was arrested at a residence in Hollywood on April 16 and is being held without bail.
He has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, alongside additional charges including lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of a body.
D4vd pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his first court appearance following his arrest.
During preliminary proceedings, prosecutors alleged that the singer bought tools online, including chainsaws, which they claimed were intended to help dispose of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body.
Prosecutors also alleged that Burke stabbed the teenager multiple times at his residence.
According to court filings, he allegedly made several online purchases under a false name in the days following the alleged killing, including two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a body bag and a shovel.
The BBC reported on Monday that the three lawyers hired to defend D4vd in the murder case had withdrawn from the proceedings.
Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter had asked the court for permission to withdraw, and the request was granted.
D4vd has subsequently been assigned a public defender to lead his defence.
“We continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges,” the lawyers wrote.
“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,” the statement reads.
Berk, one of the outgoing defence lawyers, is known for representing several high-profile figures, including US actor Mel Gibson, actress Lindsay Lohan, filmmaker Harvey Weinstein and singer Britney Spears.
Walid Kandeel, deputy public defender, said D4vd “is entitled to a defence that takes his circumstances seriously and carefully examines the evidence”.
The murder charges against D4vd include special circumstances allegedly connected to financial gain, a factor that could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.