LOS ANGELES — Singer D4vd fired his high-profile legal team and opted instead to be represented by public defenders, he told a judge on Monday.

After lawyers had met with L.A. County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers, defense attorney Blair Berk 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 defendant responded, “Yes.”

The stunning turnaround came during what normally would have been a routine pre-trial hearing in this case, in which D4vd is accused of murdering a 14-year-old girl, whose decaying remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned car.

Judge Olmedo back on July 27 had ordered the 21-year-old artist to stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence at a preliminary hearing in connection to the slaying of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Burke was arrested on the afternoon of April 16 at a house on Marmont Avenue in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles police said.

Beack on Sept. 8 of last year, police found the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, in the trunk of a Tesla impounded at Hollywood Tow. Officers were drawn the scene after reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.

Text messages between Hernandez and the defendant say she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion.

And in one exchange between the girl and the suspect in early January 2024, Burke apologized for “putting her through this.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Madeline Morrison reported from Los Angeles and David K. Li from New York City.