D4vd's Tesla Contained 11 Air Fresheners with Celeste's Body

At a preliminary hearing for musician D4vd, prosecutors presented shocking evidence: his Tesla, where the decomposing body of Celeste Rivas was found, contained at least 11 air fresheners. Photographs shown in court on Wednesday captured them in the center console, rear seats, and front trunk—the same area where, according to LAPD criminalist Chelsea Murillo, the remains were stored in two bags.

The presence of so many air fresheners may explain why the smell of decomposition did not attract attention earlier, despite weeks of scorching summer heat. Murillo noted that when she inspected the car on September 9, the day after the remains were discovered, a "strong odor" emanated from the front trunk.

During the hearing, it also emerged that D4vd, whose real name is Daniel Lee, had a tattoo of Celeste's name on his finger, noticed during police booking. The judge also heard testimony from Interscope Records executives, who confirmed that the musician remained signed to the label for eight months after the alleged murder.

An Interscope representative stated that the company paid D4vd and related entities over $5.1 million between 2022 and 2025 before terminating his recording agreement in December 2025. Another witness estimated the artist's earnings for 2023–2025 at approximately $12 million.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has previously said the death penalty remains a possibility. D4vd is charged with one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty.

The case of D4vd has drawn widespread public attention due to the contrast between his successful music career and the horrific allegations. Fans and the industry are shocked, and court proceedings continue. The next hearing is expected in the coming weeks.