D4vd DNA evidence aired as Celeste Rivas' mother cries in court
An LAPD criminalist testified about alleged DNA from red stains, a garage mat and wipes during D4vd's preliminary hearing, TMZ reports.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Alleged D4vd DNA evidence took center stage Thursday in the singer’s preliminary hearing in Celeste Rivas’ murder case, with TMZ reporting that Rivas’ mother broke down in the courtroom as a crime lab witness described test results.
TMZ reported that Rivas’ mother was crying and was given a tissue during testimony from Samantha Tosch, a criminalist with the LAPD Crime Lab’s DNA Unit. D4vd, according to the outlet, sat back in his chair and showed no visible reaction as the evidence was discussed.
What did the D4vd DNA evidence show?
According to TMZ, Tosch testified under questioning from Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman about alleged DNA findings tied to red stains in D4vd’s Tesla and garage. The criminalist said the DNA collected from those stains carried extremely high odds of matching Rivas, TMZ reported.
Tosch told the court that possible blood found inside the trunk of the car indicated DNA that appeared connected to Rivas, according to TMZ. She also addressed a stain on a rubber floor mat in D4vd’s garage, saying that sample contained a partial DNA profile consistent with Rivas’ profile.
DNA evidence in a preliminary hearing is presented to help a judge decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence for a case to proceed. The testimony described by TMZ has not been reported as a final finding of guilt, and the case remains in court.
Trash bag and wipes were also discussed
The testimony also covered items from the scene, including a stained black trash bag and disinfectant wipes inside it, TMZ reported.
Tosch said Rivas’ DNA was excluded from the stained black trash bag, according to the outlet. The sample allegedly showed four contributors, including D4vd and two other males.
The wipes, however, were described differently in court. TMZ reported that Tosch testified the DNA on the disinfectant wipes was consistent with Rivas’ and was 3 trillion times more likely to match her than someone else. D4vd’s DNA was excluded from the wipes, according to the testimony described by TMZ.
Celeste Rivas’ parents left before more testimony
The hearing was on its third day Thursday, according to TMZ. Rivas’ parents left the courtroom before the Medical Examiner began testifying, the outlet reported.
The report did not include any comment from D4vd or his representatives about the testimony. It also did not report any statement from Rivas’ family in court on Thursday beyond the description of her mother’s emotional reaction during the DNA testimony.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.