The preliminary hearing for 21-year-old rapper D4vd began Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, marking the start of legal proceedings in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd, known for his song“Romantic Homicide,”faces charges of first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and mutilating a body. According to prosecutors, D4vd began a sexual relationship with Rivas when she was 13 years old and he was 18. On April 23, 2025, after Rivas allegedly threatened to publicly expose their relationship, D4vd stabbed her to death at his Los Angeles home. Prosecutors claim he then purchased chainsaws and dismembered her body in an inflatable pool in his garage. Her remains were discovered in September 2025 in his impounded Tesla trunk, nearly five months after her death. A preliminary hearing is a critical juncture in criminal cases. During this week-long hearing, prosecutors must present evidence to convince the judge there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. This is a lower legal threshold than“guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,”which is required for conviction at trial. Over 10 witnesses, including LAPD detectives and coroners, are expected to testify. Prosecutors have already presented graphic photos of Rivas’dismembered remains. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his defense team has stated that evidence will show he did not commit this murder. The case raises significant questions about power dynamics in the music industry, how young artists are protected from predatory behavior by established figures, and the responsibility social media and record labels have in preventing such crimes. What do you think should change in how the music industry handles allegations of predatory behavior?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.