A preliminary hearing in the murder case against musician D4vd took a contentious turn Thursday as his defense attorney challenged the forensic analysis conducted by Los Angeles Police Department investigators.
Defense attorney Blair Berk cross-examined LAPD criminalist Lauren Wallace regarding potential blood evidence discovered in D4vd's garage, with particular focus on two chainsaws recovered during the investigation. The exchange highlighted disagreements over testing protocols and evidence collection procedures.
Wallace testified that investigators opted against swabbing the chainsaws for touch DNA after presumptive blood tests on the power tools returned negative results. She further explained that testing for D4vd's DNA throughout the residence would yield limited investigative value, given that his genetic profile would naturally be present throughout a home where he resided.
Berk challenged this reasoning by emphasizing that multiple individuals lived in the residence, not solely the defendant. Wallace acknowledged this fact during her testimony.
Under continued questioning from Berk, Wallace also confirmed that investigators discovered containers of artificial blood that D4vd had utilized for merchandise purposes.
The musician faces murder charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. Her body was discovered in September, dismembered inside the front trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered under D4vd's name.
Prosecutors have alleged that D4vd killed Celeste Rivas because she threatened to expose their romantic relationship. The artist has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
The preliminary hearing will conclude with a judicial determination of whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. The judge must evaluate whether the prosecution has presented adequate probable cause to believe D4vd committed the alleged crimes.