Celeste Rivas’ family braces for more testimony in D4vd hearing
Attorney Patrick Steinfeld told TMZ that Celeste Rivas’ family remains devastated as D4vd’s preliminary hearing heads toward medical examiner testimony.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Celeste Rivas’ family left court early Wednesday as they prepared for another painful stretch in D4vd’s preliminary hearing, according to TMZ.
Patrick Steinfeld, the family’s attorney, told TMZ outside the courthouse that Rivas’ loved ones are still trying to process the allegations against D4vd. He said the family remains “disheartened and broken” as the hearing continues.
Steinfeld said the family is struggling with allegations that D4vd used a chainsaw on Rivas’ body. He told TMZ they cannot understand why D4vd would allegedly do that to their “beautiful girl.”
The allegations have surfaced during a preliminary hearing that has already included difficult testimony and graphic evidence, according to TMZ. D4vd has not been reported by TMZ as responding to Steinfeld’s comments.
Family leaves before the day ends
Steinfeld told TMZ the family’s early exit Wednesday was not because the day was easy. He said they were trying to preserve their energy before Thursday, when the medical examiner is expected to testify.
According to Steinfeld, the medical examiner is expected to describe Rivas’ remains in more detail. He said the family made the decision to leave early so they could prepare for what may be another wrenching day in court.
Steinfeld said Wednesday was easier than Tuesday for the family. TMZ reported that graphic crime scene images shown in court Tuesday left Rivas’ mother sobbing.
The family attorney said Tuesday had taken a serious emotional toll, and the family was aware that Thursday’s expected testimony could be even more difficult.
Hearing follows graphic evidence
TMZ has reported that the preliminary hearing has featured disturbing claims tied to the investigation into Rivas’ death. In related coverage, TMZ reported that a forensic criminalist testified about possible blood stains in D4vd’s garage.
TMZ also reported in separate coverage that D4vd’s Tesla contained air fresheners when Rivas’ body was found. The current hearing is focused on whether the case against D4vd moves forward.
Steinfeld’s comments placed the family’s grief at the center of the courtroom week. He told TMZ the relatives are still seeking answers, while acknowledging they may not get all of them.
For now, the family is preparing for the medical examiner’s testimony and the next stage of a hearing that, according to their attorney, has already forced them to sit through deeply upsetting evidence about Rivas’ death.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.