D4VD's Bid for Public Defense Draws Wealth Bias Scrutiny

In Los Angeles, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family claims D4VD (David Burke) should not receive a public defender, arguing Burke is wealthy (5+ billion streams, 16 million monthly listeners, and ownership of multiple companies) and thus should pay private counsel. Burke is charged with murder, continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14, and unlawful dismemberment, and the LA County Public Defender’s Office says he is eligible for representation. A judge indicated there’s enough evidence to move toward trial while decisions on defense funding proceed.