DNA Expert Links 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to D4vd's Garage With 1 Septillion Match
Updated
Updated · KSL.com · Jul 23
DNA Expert Links 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to D4vd's Garage With 1 Septillion Match
3 articles · Updated · KSL.com · Jul 23
Summary
A Los Angeles police DNA expert told a preliminary hearing that samples from a rubber mat, rowing machine and Tesla charger in D4vd's garage strongly matched 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Samantha Tosch said the profiles were one septillion times more likely to have come from Celeste than anyone else, while prosecutors say D4vd killed and dismembered her there after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship.
Defense lawyers pressed Tosch to concede the DNA could not be confirmed as blood, may have been touch DNA, and cannot show when or how it was deposited.
Separate testing found Celeste's DNA on stained cleaning wipes from a garage trash bag, while the bag itself contained a four-person DNA mixture that included D4vd.
The testimony came on day three of a hearing to decide whether D4vd, who has pleaded not guilty, will stand trial on murder, child sexual abuse and body-mutilation charges.
The DNA evidence isn't confirmed as blood. Could the pop star’s horror-themed props be his ultimate defense?
His Tesla’s data holds the timeline. Will it seal the singer’s fate or expose a different killer?
He released a dark album after the murder. Is his music a confession or a convenient story for prosecutors?
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: DNA Expert Links Musician to Celeste Rivas Hernandez Murder, Industry and Legal Ramifications Mount
Overview
The preliminary hearing in the D4vd murder case began on July 23, 2026, focusing on strong forensic evidence, especially DNA analysis. DNA expert Samantha Tosch testified that blood stains found in D4vd’s garage were a near-certain match to the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, with the DNA being 'one septillion times more likely' to belong to her than anyone else. The prosecution connected this evidence to D4vd’s alleged motive of protecting his financial assets. These developments set a solid foundation for the case to move forward to trial, highlighting the powerful link between forensic science and legal strategy.