A Los Angeles County judge has ruled that the murder case against musician D4vd will advance to trial, which must commence within 90 days, following a preliminary hearing that concluded with five days of testimony from 12 witnesses.
During the proceedings, Dr. Grant Ho of the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner provided testimony describing the condition of victim Celeste Rivas' remains. The medical examiner told the court that the odor from the teen's decomposing body was so overpowering that it could be detected down the hallway before the remains entered the examination room for autopsy.
The testimony underscores a critical element of the investigation. According to prosecutors, it was precisely this smell that led to the discovery of Rivas' dismembered remains last September inside a Hollywood tow yard. Authorities found the body inside a Tesla that contained 11 air fresheners, according to prosecutors.
The preliminary hearing featured graphic photographic evidence showing the victim's dismembered and decomposed remains, alongside detailed witness testimony that painted a disturbing picture of the alleged crime.
D4vd faces a murder charge with special circumstances, a designation that makes him eligible for the death penalty under California law. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek capital punishment in the case.
Additional charges against the musician include continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. D4vd has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
The case now moves forward to trial, where a jury will determine the outcome of the charges against the defendant. The 90-day timeline means proceedings must begin by late October 2026.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
