In Los Angeles, a DNA expert provided testimony on Thursday, revealing that evidence from apparent blood stains in the garage of D4vd’s Hollywood home matches the DNA of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl he is accused of killing. Prosecutors claim that D4vd stabbed Rivas Hernandez, then dismembered her body in the garage, allegedly after she threatened to reveal their sexual relationship, potentially damaging his career.
The evidence was collected by police technicians from several locations in the garage, including a rubber floor mat, a rowing machine, and a Tesla charger. Samantha Tosch, a criminalist with the Los Angeles police, confirmed that the DNA matched that of Rivas Hernandez. This disclosure appeared during the third day of a preliminary hearing to decide if Burke will face trial for murder, child sexual abuse, and body mutilation. He pleaded not guilty with his lawyers planning a robust defense.
Tosch described that matching several samples had a likelihood of “one septillion times more” to originate from Rivas Hernandez than from anyone else. Previously, prosecutors mentioned the presence of her DNA in the garage in court filings, though it hadn’t been publicly exhibited before.
Further testing was conducted on items found in the garage, including a trash bag and stained cleaning wipes. Tosch indicated the bag showed a mix of DNA from four people, two being male, potentially including Burke’s. While Rivas Hernandez’s DNA was detected on the wipes, Burke’s was absent. Another police criminalist explained that most stains in the garage required a chemical test to reveal, as they were invisible to the naked eye. A displayed photo in court showed the rubber mat glowing blue from the test.
Under cross-examination, Tosch admitted she couldn’t conclusively state that the DNA came from blood, as it could be from mere touch. Defense attorney Blair Berk emphasized uncertainties about how the DNA arrived at its location and the duration it stayed there.
The defense highlighted potential shortcomings in police investigations, questioning why more DNA testing wasn’t conducted on items in Burke’s home and car. Berk focused on two small chain saws found in Burke’s garage, thought to be used for dismembering the body. Lauren Wallace, another police criminalist, stated that initial tests revealed no blood on the saws; therefore, no further DNA swabbing was done.
Berk pressed Wallace, questioning if untouchable DNA could remain undetected at the time. Wallace confirmed that touch DNA isn’t visible. The court heard about D4vd’s career as an indie-pop singer with dark-themed songs, including his popular single, “Romantic Homicide.” On the day of the testimony, D4vd appeared calm and attentive, donned in an orange jail uniform.
Parents of Rivas Hernandez attended the session, showing no visible reactions during the technical testimony. Prosecutors aim to prove Burke initiated a sexual relationship with the teen when she was 13, while he was 18. They stated in filings that Rivas Hernandez threatened to reveal this relationship before her death. The court documents indicated Burke had sent a car to bring her to his home, where he allegedly committed the crime on April 23, 2025, and kept her remains hidden for months before discovery.