Music artist D4vd has entered a not guilty plea to multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, and is pushing for an immediate preliminary hearing that could test prosecutors' readiness.
D4vd appeared in court just hours after being formally charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances—alleging he lay in wait, committed the crime for financial gain, and murdered a witness. Prosecutors also charged him with lewd acts with a person under 14 and mutilation of a human body in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas.
His legal team requested a preliminary hearing within 10 days, a strategic move that could pressure the prosecution. If prosecutors fail to present sufficient evidence or witnesses at such an early stage, the judge could dismiss the case entirely.
"The actual evidence in this case will only prove D4vd was not the cause of her death," D4vd's attorneys stated.
Prosecutors allege that Celeste Rivas was under 14 when D4vd engaged in repeated sexual relations with her. They claim that when she threatened to expose their relationship—potentially devastating his music career—he murdered her with a sharp instrument, dismembered her body, placed the remains in bags, and stored them in the front trunk of his car.
Celeste's decomposing body reportedly remained in the vehicle from late April to early September 2025 before being discovered in a tow yard. Her family attended D4vd's court hearing.
D4vd was arrested late Thursday afternoon by LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division, more than seven months after Celeste's mutilated body was found in his abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. Following the discovery, D4vd withdrew from public view and canceled his tour.
Video of the arrest shows police taking the singer into custody without resistance around 5 PM Thursday. He was booked into LAPD's 77th Street Station Jail at 10:12 PM and is being held without bail.