The prosecution claims that D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, killed Rivas Hernandez and dismembered her body in the garage after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship and ruin his career.
The testimony was given in Los Angeles on Thursday as part of a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide whether Burke should stand trial on charges of murder, child sexual abuse and breach of the peace. Burke denies the charges.
Garbage bag contained DNA
DNA samples were taken from a rubber mat, a rowing machine and a car charger in the garage, and forensic scientist Samantha Tosch testified that they matched Rivas Hernandez.
A garbage bag in the garage and bloody cleaning cloths have also been examined. According to forensic scientist Tosch, DNA was found from four people, including at least two men - one of them Burke - and also from Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The defense's objection is that the source of the DNA is uncertain, and forensic scientist Tosch admitted that the DNA may have been transferred through touch rather than from blood, and that it is not possible to determine how or when it ended up on the objects.
Blood trail lit up
However, another forensic scientist testified that the stains in the garage were discovered using a chemical test that makes bloodstains glow blue, even though they are not visible to the naked eye. A picture shown in court showed the rubber mat covered in a bright blue glow.
D4vd broke out in 2022 with the song "Romantic Homicide." His debut album, "Withered," was released two days after the date prosecutors say Rivas Hernandez was murdered.
