D4vd's Lawyers Challenge LAPD Forensic Evidence in Murder Case

At the preliminary hearing in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, lawyers for musician D4vd are aggressively challenging the methods of Los Angeles police criminalists. The defense is trying to cast doubt on evidence collected from the artist's garage, where investigators believe traces of blood may be present.

On Thursday, defense attorney Blair Berk questioned criminalist Lauren Wallace, who had previously testified about possible blood evidence in D4vd's garage. Particular attention was paid to two chainsaws found at the scene. Wallace explained that the tools were not swabbed for touch DNA because presumptive tests for blood had come back negative.

The criminalist also stated that she saw no point in testing for D4vd's DNA in the home since he lived there and his genetic material could be everywhere. However, Berk countered that multiple people lived in the house, not just D4vd. Wallace acknowledged she was aware of this, and under defense questioning also confirmed that jugs of fake blood, which D4vd used for merchandise, were found in the garage.

As a reminder, D4vd is charged with murdering Celeste Rivas. Her body was found in September, dismembered in the trunk of a Tesla registered in his name. Prosecutors believe the musician killed the girl because she threatened to reveal their romantic relationship. The artist has pleaded not guilty.

At the end of the preliminary hearing, the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for D4vd to stand trial. The outcome of this hearing could be a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn widespread public and media attention.

D4vd's lawyers are building their defense on challenging the quality of the police investigation, which could play a crucial role if the case goes to a jury. Legal experts note that such procedural disputes often become decisive in high-profile murder cases.