Preliminary hearing begins in D4vd murder case, new evidence expected

A Los Angeles judge has opened a days‑long preliminary hearing for singer‑songwriter D4vd, who faces murder charges in the 2022 death of 15‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing, set to run for several days, will determine whether the prosecution’s case meets the legal threshold to proceed to trial, and both sides are expected to unveil new evidence.

Core developments across the coverage

The hearing officially began on Tuesday, according to KTLA, and is scheduled to span multiple days as prosecutors and defense counsel present their arguments. ABC7 Chicago notes that the preliminary hearing is “dayslong,” underscoring the volume of material the court will review. The case centers on the fatal stabbing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a high‑school student from the Los Angeles area, for which D4vd has been charged with first‑degree murder.

Prosecutors say they will introduce new forensic evidence that was not available at the time of the original indictment. The Los Angeles Times reports that investigators have uncovered additional DNA traces linking D4vd to the crime scene, as well as digital‑device data that may clarify the timeline on the night of the killing. The outlet adds that the new evidence “is expected to come to light” during the hearing, suggesting it could be pivotal in the judge’s determination.

On the defense side, D4vd’s legal team filed a motion to have the defendant’s handcuffs removed for the duration of the hearing. NBC Los Angeles details that the request was made on the grounds that the hearing is “non‑custodial” and that handcuffs would be unnecessarily restrictive. The judge has not yet ruled on the motion, but the request signals the defense’s strategy to present D4vd as a cooperative, low‑risk individual while the case proceeds.

Additional procedural details emerge from ABC7 Los Angeles, which confirms that the preliminary hearing will include a review of the grand jury transcript, witness testimonies, and the newly obtained forensic reports. The outlet also notes that the court will consider whether any evidence was obtained in violation of D4vd’s constitutional rights, a standard hurdle in California’s preliminary hearing process.

Why it matters

The D4vd case sits at the intersection of pop culture and the criminal‑justice system, drawing national attention because the defendant is a rising music artist with a sizable online following. The hearing’s outcome could set a precedent for how high‑profile defendants are treated in preliminary proceedings, especially regarding pre‑trial restrictions such as handcuffing.

From a legal perspective, the introduction of fresh DNA and digital evidence illustrates how modern investigative techniques continue to evolve years after a crime. If the new forensic findings are deemed credible, they may not only strengthen the prosecution’s case but also influence future investigations of similar violent crimes in Los Angeles.

For the victim’s family, the hearing represents a critical juncture. Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s parents have publicly called for “full accountability,” and the release of new evidence could provide the closure they have sought since the 2022 incident. The case also highlights broader concerns about youth safety in the city and the role of social media fame in potentially masking violent behavior.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

Lawyers for the defense argue that the new evidence may be “circumstantial” and that the prosecution’s case still hinges on proving intent beyond a reasonable doubt. ABC7 Chicago quotes the defense attorney as emphasizing the importance of “protecting the presumption of innocence” throughout the hearing.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintain that the additional DNA and device data “directly tie” D4vd to the scene and the victim’s last moments. KTLA reports that the district attorney’s office described the evidence as “the strongest component of the case to date.”

Community advocates and fan groups have expressed divergent sentiments. Some fans, citing D4vd’s public statements about mental health, have urged the court to consider alternative sentencing options. Others, echoing the victim’s family, have called for a swift and severe penalty, fearing that a lenient outcome could send a dangerous message about accountability for public figures.

What’s next

The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the handcuff request within the next 48 hours, a decision that could affect the atmosphere of the remaining hearing sessions. Following the presentation of all evidence, the court will issue a “probable cause” determination. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case will move forward to trial; if not, the charges could be dismissed or reduced.

Both the prosecution and defense have hinted at possible settlement discussions, though no formal offers have been reported. Regardless of the hearing’s outcome, the case is likely to continue attracting media scrutiny, especially as D4vd’s upcoming album release looms later in the year.

Legal analysts predict that the preliminary hearing could set the tone for the trial, shaping jury selection and pre‑trial motions. As the city watches, the next steps will determine whether the justice system can reconcile the demands of due process with the public’s call for accountability in a high‑profile murder case.