D4vd Celeste Rivas defense slammed by family after hearing

Celeste Rivas’ family is furious over the D4vd Celeste Rivas defense strategy after his lawyers raised the possibility in court that the 14-year-old killed herself and pointed to messages in which she allegedly threatened to kill him, according to TMZ.

Patrick Steinfeld, the attorney representing Rivas’ parents, spoke Monday after D4vd’s preliminary hearing and said the family was disturbed by what they heard from the defense team. Steinfeld said the family believed the strategy tried to shift responsibility onto their daughter, who was a minor.

D4vd, whose real name is not stated in TMZ’s report, has pleaded not guilty. He is charged with murder, unlawful mutilation of human remains and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, according to the report.

What did D4vd’s defense argue about Celeste Rivas?

According to TMZ, D4vd’s lawyers referenced text messages in court that they said showed Rivas threatened to kill him. The defense also raised the possibility that Rivas died by suicide, a point Steinfeld sharply rejected on behalf of her parents.

Steinfeld also disputed D4vd’s claim that Rivas told him she was 18. The family’s attorney pointed to a February 2024 welfare check, saying a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy allegedly told D4vd at that time that Rivas was only 13.

Based on that alleged exchange, Steinfeld argued D4vd knew Rivas was underage. He said that fact undercut any defense to the continuous sexual abuse charge involving a child under 14.

A preliminary hearing is a stage in a criminal case where a judge decides whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for charges to proceed toward trial. It is not a finding of guilt.

Steinfeld later told TMZ that Rivas’ family felt relieved after attending almost all of the five-day hearing. He said they were glad the judge found enough evidence for D4vd to face trial on the murder charge.

TMZ also asked Steinfeld about defense material, including messages and travel documents, that D4vd’s lawyers claim show Rivas’ family knew she was spending time with him and gave permission for travel. Steinfeld declined to comment on that issue, citing legal reasons.

The case now moves ahead with D4vd still denying the charges against him. No trial outcome has been determined, and the allegations remain to be tested in court.

This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.