D4vd private investigator removed from murder case hearing
A judge removed a private investigator after prosecutor Beth Silverman said he may be a future witness, TMZ reported.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
The D4vd private investigator tied to the singer's murder case was ordered out of a preliminary hearing Thursday after prosecutors said he may later be called to testify, TMZ reported.
Prosecutor Beth Silverman told the judge the investigator had been present during grand jury testimony, according to TMZ. Silverman said that made him a possible witness if the case reaches a murder trial.
The judge sided with that concern and had the investigator leave the courtroom. TMZ reported that potential witnesses are barred from the preliminary hearing, while alleged victims, including Celeste Rivas' family, are allowed to attend.
Why was the private investigator removed from D4vd's hearing?
According to TMZ, the issue was the investigator's possible role as a future witness. Silverman pointed to his presence during grand jury testimony and said he could be called later in the case.
The removal was not reported as a ruling on wrongdoing by the investigator. It was tied to the courtroom rule keeping potential witnesses out of the preliminary hearing.
The courtroom dispute also pulled in Patrick Steinfeld, the attorney for Rivas' family. TMZ reported that Silverman criticized Steinfeld for speaking with the investigator.
Steinfeld and the investigator both told the judge they did not realize their conversation violated any rules, according to TMZ. The investigator said he did not know who Steinfeld was when they spoke, while Steinfeld said he did not know the investigator could become a witness.
Silverman warned Steinfeld that his court access badge could be pulled in the future if he violated the rules again, TMZ reported.
What allegations have come up in court?
The hearing has already brought painful testimony for Rivas' family, according to TMZ, as prosecutors laid out graphic allegations against D4vd in court.
Among the claims described in court, TMZ reported, prosecutors said D4vd's Tesla contained many air fresheners when Rivas' body was found inside it. TMZ also reported that a forensic expert said possible blood stains were found across D4vd's garage, where prosecutors allege Rivas' body was dismembered.
The claims remain allegations. TMZ's account did not include a response from D4vd to the courtroom allegations described during the hearing.
Steinfeld spoke with TMZ outside the courthouse Wednesday and said the hearing had been hard on Rivas' parents. He said the family could not understand prosecutors' allegation that the singer used a chainsaw on their daughter.
If the case proceeds to trial, the private investigator could come up again because Silverman identified him in court as someone who may be called as a witness.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.