D4vd murder trial ordered after Celeste Rivas hearing
A judge ordered D4vd to stand trial in Celeste Rivas' murder case after five days of preliminary hearing testimony, TMZ reported.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
A judge has ordered the D4vd murder trial to move ahead in the case of Celeste Rivas after five days of preliminary hearing testimony, according to TMZ.
The ruling sends the singer’s murder case to the next stage, with the judge saying the trial must start within 90 days, TMZ reported. D4vd is scheduled to return to court for arraignment on August 31.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman was expected to address reporters after the judge’s decision, according to TMZ.
What happened in the D4vd murder case?
TMZ reported that prosecutors presented a wide range of evidence during the preliminary hearing, including graphic photos of Rivas’ decomposed body and several alleged text messages. Prosecutors argued the material shows D4vd and Rivas had a sexual relationship.
D4vd has been charged with Rivas’ murder. Prosecutors allege he killed her because she threatened to expose what they describe as an illegal sexual relationship, according to TMZ.
D4vd has pleaded not guilty.
What does the judge’s order mean?
A preliminary hearing is the stage where a judge decides whether prosecutors have shown enough for a criminal case to continue toward trial. In this case, the judge ruled the murder case should proceed, TMZ reported.
The order does not decide guilt. It moves the case into the next phase, with D4vd due back in court for arraignment at the end of August and a trial required to begin within the 90-day window set by the judge.
What evidence did prosecutors cite?
According to TMZ, prosecutors’ presentation during the five-day hearing included disturbing images related to Rivas’ body and alleged text messages. Prosecutors used the alleged messages to support their claim about the nature of the relationship between D4vd and Rivas.
TMZ also reported that the case has drawn attention to possible defense arguments, including claims from D4vd’s defense that Rivas’ family knew about the relationship and gave travel consent. The murder charge itself remains the central issue now heading toward trial.
The next scheduled court date is August 31, when D4vd is due for arraignment, according to TMZ. The case remains active, and prosecutors’ allegations have not been proven in court.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.