D4vd court hearing puts Celeste tattoo under the spotlight
An investigator testified that D4vd had Celeste Rivas’ name tattooed on his finger when he was booked, TMZ reported.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
A tattoo on D4vd’s left ring finger became a key detail on Tuesday as the singer’s preliminary hearing in the Celeste Rivas murder case got underway, according to TMZ.
An investigator testified that officers saw the name “Celeste” on D4vd’s left ring finger during the booking process, TMZ reported. Prosecutors showed the court photos of faded tattoos, including “Shhh” on his right index finger and a religious reference on his right palm, according to the outlet.
D4vd, whose real name was not given in the report, has pleaded not guilty. He was in court with a waist shackle but was not handcuffed, TMZ reported.
Prosecutors point to matching tattoos
The tattoos matter to prosecutors because they allege Celeste Rivas had D4vd’s name tattooed on her left ring finger and also had a matching “Shhh” tattoo, according to TMZ.
TMZ reported that Celeste’s mother and the Medical Examiner had previously identified those tattoos. Prosecutors allege D4vd removed the finger bearing his name, along with her pinky, after killing and dismembering the 14-year-old, according to the outlet. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
As the images were displayed, TMZ reported that D4vd looked calm, touched his chin and watched the evidence while resting his thumb and index finger on his face.
Chainsaw purchase questioned in court
The hearing also returned to an alleged Amazon purchase. TMZ previously reported that prosecutors claim D4vd bought two chainsaws after Celeste’s death.
On Tuesday, an investigator testified that authorities did not recover one of the chainsaws, according to TMZ.
A separate witness addressed D4vd’s money during the hearing, TMZ reported. That witness estimated the singer brought in about $12 million in gross earnings from 2023 to 2025.
The witness also testified that D4vd received what was believed to be a $600,000 advance after signing with Interscope in 2022, followed by a larger payment later, according to TMZ.
Celeste’s family watched the evidence
Celeste’s family was present in the courtroom during graphic testimony, TMZ reported. The outlet said her relatives did not look away when disturbing evidence photos were shown.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters during a break in the hearing that the death penalty remains a possibility in the case, according to TMZ.
The preliminary hearing is focused on evidence prosecutors say supports the murder case against D4vd. He denies the charge through his not guilty plea, and the allegations remain before the court.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.