D4vd Preliminary Murder Hearing Details Evidence, Missing Weapon, and Text History
Prosecutors at D4vd's preliminary hearing presented forensic evidence and 18 months of texts, but key items including the alleged murder weapon remain missing.
Decomposed and dismembered remains of Celeste Rivas were examined during a preliminary hearing for musician D4vd, with a Los Angeles County medical examiner, Dr. Grant Ho, testifying about both the physical condition of the body and the odor that accompanied it. Gruesome photographs were presented to the court as part of the prosecution's case. Prosecutors outlined the evidence collected so far while also acknowledging significant gaps: the alleged murder weapon and at least some of Rivas' personal belongings have not been recovered, according to testimony at the hearing. A central piece of the prosecution's narrative was an 18-month text message exchange between D4vd and Rivas. Prosecutors say those messages document the arc of their relationship, covering topics including a pregnancy scare, abortion discussions, and plans to live together. The day before the alleged murder, prosecutors say Rivas sent threatening texts connected to a woman named Aysia Collins, whom Rivas reportedly grew jealous of — positioning the jealousy as a potential catalyst leading up to the killing. Collins was named in open court during the preliminary hearing.
Why it matters
A preliminary hearing determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial; the outcome will decide whether D4vd — a rising music artist — faces a full murder trial. The case involves allegations of dismemberment, making it one of the more prominent celebrity-adjacent criminal proceedings in recent months.
What's next
A judge will rule on whether the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing is sufficient to order D4vd to stand trial on murder charges.
Key facts
- Dr. Grant Ho of the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner testified about Celeste Rivas' dismembered and decomposing remains
- Prosecutors presented an 18-month text message history between D4vd and Rivas covering pregnancy, abortion, and cohabitation plans
- The alleged murder weapon has not been recovered, prosecutors acknowledged in court
- A woman named Aysia Collins was identified in court as the subject of jealous texts Rivas sent the day before her alleged murder
- Proceedings described are part of a preliminary hearing, not yet a full trial
Bias & framing notes
All four sources come exclusively from TMZ. While the reporting appears to draw on actual courtroom testimony and named witnesses — lending some factual grounding — the single-outlet sourcing limits independent corroboration. TMZ's framing leans toward sensational detail (odor, gruesome photos, jealousy) rather than neutral legal context. No defense arguments or D4vd's side are represented in any of the reporting provided.
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