Prosecutors say blood evidence was found in D4vd’s garage, and Tesla links him to the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, as a judge weighs whether the singer should stand trial.
During the second day of a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Los Angeles police criminalists described stains collected from the garage of D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, and from the Tesla where Celeste’s remains were discovered months later.
D4vd has pleaded not guilty to murder, sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of a body. His attorneys maintain that he did not cause Celeste’s death.
LAPD criminalist Lauren Wallace testified that apparent blood was found on rubber floor mats in D4vd’s Hollywood garage, along with slits believed to have been made by a sharp object. Prosecutors previously said DNA from blood in the garage matched Celeste.
Wallace said a chemical test caused possible blood stains to glow blue across the mats, drawing soft gasps in the courtroom. She also reported possible blood on garbage bags, cleaning wipes and a rowing machine. No blood was found on two chain saws recovered from the garage.
Another criminalist, Chelsea Murillo, testified about smaller stains inside the Tesla. Defense attorney Blair Berk questioned how evidence was handled and why the car’s exterior was not swabbed.
“It didn’t seem necessary,” Murillo replied.
Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, watched from the courtroom as prosecutors presented their case. D4vd remains jailed without bail while the hearing continues.