D4vd Case: DNA Evidence
DNA Expert Testifies Linking Slain Teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez to D4vd's Home
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A DNA expert testified that blood stains found in the Hollywood garage of rising music artist D4vd are a near-certain match for 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was killed and dismembered. Los Angeles police criminalist Samantha Tosch told the court the samples were "one septillion times more likely to occur if it originated from Celeste rather than anyone else in the population," according to MySuncoast.
The testimony came during a preliminary hearing to decide whether D4vd — whose legal name has not been widely published — will stand trial. He faces charges of murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body. Prosecutors say he killed Celeste after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship, then dismembered her inside the home.
Blood Evidence Found on Three Garage Items
Investigators collected DNA samples from three items inside D4vd's Hollywood garage. The items were a rubber floor mat, a rowing machine, and a Tesla charger. All three tested as apparent blood stains. Criminalist Samantha Tosch analyzed the samples and linked them to Celeste with overwhelming statistical certainty, Live5News reported.
A one-in-a-septillion match is among the strongest DNA evidence a court can hear. A septillion is the number one followed by 24 zeros. In plain terms, it means the odds of the blood belonging to someone other than Celeste are essentially zero.
Prosecutors Allege Sexual Relationship Led to Murder
According to prosecutors, D4vd and Celeste had a sexual relationship. When Celeste threatened to go public with that relationship, prosecutors say D4vd killed her. She was 14 years old at the time. The allegations include murder, child sexual abuse, and the deliberate mutilation of her body, KLTV reported.
D4vd is a Houston-born artist who rose to fame with his 2022 viral hit "Romantic Homicide." The case drew wide attention because of his profile in the music industry. No conviction has been entered. The preliminary hearing will determine if the evidence is strong enough to send the case to trial.
Judge to Decide If Case Proceeds to Trial
The current court proceedings are a preliminary hearing, not a full trial. In California, a judge uses these hearings to weigh whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward. The DNA testimony from Tosch is one of the key pieces of evidence the judge is now reviewing, according to Atlanta News First.
If the judge finds probable cause, D4vd will be formally charged and the case will advance to trial. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly responded to the DNA findings. The case continues to unfold as more witnesses are expected to testify, WEAU reported.
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