Emotional testimony about alleged blood evidence brought Celeste Rivas' mother to tears Thursday during the third day of preliminary hearings in the murder case against singer D4vd, while the defendant displayed no visible reaction to the proceedings.
Samantha Tosch, a criminalist with the LAPD Crime Lab's DNA Unit, took the witness stand to present findings regarding DNA evidence collected from multiple locations connected to the case. Her testimony detailed potential blood samples that allegedly matched the profile of the murdered teenager.
According to testimony presented to Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, DNA collected from red stains discovered in D4vd's Tesla and garage showed extraordinarily high probability of matching Celeste Rivas. The criminalist explained that potential blood found inside the vehicle's trunk all indicated DNA appearing to be connected to the victim.
As Tosch detailed the evidence, Celeste's mother became visibly distraught, doubled over in grief and requiring a tissue from court personnel. The defendant, meanwhile, sat reclined in his chair without displaying any emotional response to the testimony being presented.
The DNA analysis extended beyond the vehicle. A stain on the rubber floor mat in D4vd's garage contained a partial profile consistent with Celeste's DNA profile, according to Tosch's testimony. The criminalist also addressed evidence from a black trash bag found at the scene, stating that Celeste's DNA was excluded from stains on the bag itself, but that four alleged contributors were identified, including D4vd and two other males.
Regarding disinfectant wipes discovered inside the trash bag, Tosch testified that DNA found on those items was consistent with Celeste's profile at odds of three trillion to one. D4vd's DNA was excluded from the wipes, she stated.
Celeste's parents departed the hearing before its conclusion, leaving prior to testimony from the Medical Examiner. The preliminary hearing will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial in the murder case against the singer.