DNA expert ties slain 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to blood stains found in D4vd's garage
KSL.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A DNA expert testified that blood stain evidence found in the garage of D4vd's Hollywood home strongly matched 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whom he is charged with stabbing to death.
- Prosecutors allege D4vd killed and dismembered Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to reveal their sexual relationship, with DNA samples taken from a rubber mat, rowing machine, and Tesla charger in the garage.
- Defense lawyers questioned the certainty of the DNA evidence, noting it could have been transferred by touch and that it is unclear how long the DNA had been present or if it originated from blood.
- The defense also highlighted the lack of blood detection on chainsaws found in the garage, suggesting possible limitations in the prosecution's DNA testing.
- D4vd, an indie-pop singer known for dark-themed music, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body; prosecutors say he kept Rivas Hernandez's body in his Tesla's front trunk for months before it was discovered.
