Detectives investigating the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez have come under intense scrutiny, as lawyers for accused singer D4vd challenge the methods used to test evidence from his Los Angeles residence. The third day of a crucial hearing at the Los Angeles court saw defence attorney Blair Berk questioning the selection of items subjected to forensic analysis, suggesting that the presence of another individual's DNA at the crime scene could be a viable defence strategy.
Prosecutors claim that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, fatally stabbed Hernandez last year in a bid to conceal their alleged sexual relationship. The motive, they argue, was to protect his burgeoning music career from potential scandal. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder and child sexual abuse.
During the hearing, defence attorney Regina Peter questioned whether investigators had considered alternative explanations for the presence of a passport bearing Rivas Hernandez's name at a location in Santa Barbara, discovered by a Caltrans worker last year. The passport was found on a dirt embankment off State Route 154, sparking questions about how it arrived there.
Prosecutors countered this line of questioning by calling a detective to the stand, who testified that cellular data and the Tesla's internal system indicated Burke had travelled to the area where Rivas Hernandez's passport was found. This evidence appears to contradict defence claims that natural elements, such as storms or other weather phenomena, could have deposited the passport.
The hearing is ongoing, with Burke facing a full trial on charges including first-degree murder and child sexual abuse. The case has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the serious allegations at stake.