D4vd Case: Private Investigator Kicked Out of Court

During preliminary hearings in the case of musician D4vd, accused of killing Celeste Rivas, an unexpected incident occurred: a private investigator linked to the case was escorted out of the courtroom. The reason: he might be called as a witness in a potential murder trial.

Prosecutor Beth Silverman pointed out to the judge that the investigator had been present during grand jury testimony, and therefore could not be allowed at the preliminary hearing, where witnesses are barred. The judge agreed and ordered the investigator to leave.

Silverman also scolded Celeste's family attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, for speaking with the investigator. Both Steinfeld and the investigator said they didn't realize they were violating any rules. The investigator said he didn't even know who Steinfeld was, while the attorney said he didn't realize the man could become a witness.

The prosecutor threatened to revoke Steinfeld's court access if he violated her rules again. This incident added tension to an already difficult week for the Rivas family, who have had to listen to graphic details of the allegations against D4vd in court.

Among the claims made this week: D4vd's Tesla was full of air fresheners when Celeste's body was found in it, and a forensic expert said possible blood stains were found in the musician's garage, where he allegedly dismembered her body.

Steinfeld told reporters outside the courthouse that Celeste's family simply couldn't understand why the singer would allegedly use a chainsaw on their daughter. Observers believe the judge is unlikely to rule that there isn't enough evidence for a trial, so this story may continue to develop.