Forensic Evidence Takes Center Stage in D4vd Murder Trial
Prosecutors presented detailed forensic findings during the second day of D4vd’s preliminary hearing, alleging the singer dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in his Hollywood garage. Los Angeles Police Department criminalist Lauren Wallace testified that bloodstains matching Rivas Hernandez’s DNA were found on garage floor mats, detected using a chemical that caused the area to glow blue. Wallace also noted slits on the mats, likely from a sharp object, and traces of possible blood on cleaning wipes and a rowing machine.
The defense challenged the evidence, questioning protocols for preserving the crime scene. Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, pressed Wallace on whether gloves were used during the garage inspection and why DNA swabs weren’t taken from the Tesla’s exterior. “It didn’t seem necessary,” responded criminalist Chelsea Murillo, who found smaller bloodstains in the vehicle.
Prosecutors Link Burke to Murder Through Financial and Digital Trails
Prosecutors argue Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship. A court filing stated she became jealous of his relationships and confronted him the night of her death. Authorities claim Burke transported her body in a Tesla registered to him, later found with a body bag and dismembered remains.
Financial witnesses revealed Burke earned at least $10 million between 2023 and 2025 through music, leveraging platforms like TikTok and Spotify. His rise began with Fortnite-themed YouTube videos, blending indie rock and lo-fi pop. By 2023, he was touring with SZA and performing at Coachella, a career trajectory that prosecutors say made him desperate to silence Rivas Hernandez.
Key Evidence: The Discovered Passport and Burial Site
A California Highway Patrol officer testified that Rivas Hernandez’s passport was found in a rural area of Santa Barbara County in January 2026. Data shows Burke visited the location twice: once on the night of the killing and again six weeks later. Prosecutors claim this ties him to the site where the passport was discovered, suggesting he attempted to hide evidence.
Defense Questions Reliability of Forensic Findings
Burke’s legal team emphasized gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of a third chainsaw linked to the dismemberment. They also highlighted that no blood evidence was found on the two chainsaws purchased by Burke. “The prosecution’s case relies on circumstantial evidence,” Berk argued, stressing the need for stricter crime scene protocols.
What’s Next in the Preliminary Hearing?
The hearing, which began in July 2026, will determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial. Rivas Hernandez’s parents have attended proceedings but are not expected to testify. Burke, who has been held without bail, appeared in court in orange jail attire.
Why This Case Matters for Celebrity Criminal Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is D4vd facing?
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, is charged with murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body. Prosecutors allege he killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in 2025.
How did investigators link Burke to the crime scene?
Forensic evidence, including bloodstains in Burke’s garage and Tesla, along with purchase records for tools like chainsaws, connects him to the crime. A discovered passport and location data further implicate him.
What’s the significance of the preliminary hearing?
The hearing determines if there’s enough evidence to move to trial. Defense attorneys often use this stage to challenge the prosecution’s case, as seen in Burke’s legal team’s focus on evidence collection protocols.
Did You Know?
D4vd’s music career, which began with Fortnite-themed YouTube videos, generated over $10 million in earnings before the murder allegations.
Pro Tips for Understanding Celebrity Criminal Cases
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