DNA expert ties slain 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to blood stains found in D4vd's garage - KSL.com

What the report says

KSL.com reported that a DNA expert testified Thursday in Los Angeles that samples taken from apparent blood stains in the garage of D4vd’s Hollywood home were a strong match to Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl the singer is accused of killing. The testimony came during the third day of a preliminary hearing to determine whether D4vd, identified in court as Burke, should be ordered to stand trial on charges including murder, child sexual abuse and mutilation of a body. He has pleaded not guilty.

According to KSL.com, Los Angeles police criminalist Samantha Tosch said samples collected from a rubber floor mat, rowing machine and Tesla charger matched Rivas Hernandez, with some results described as vastly more likely to have come from her than from an unrelated person. She also testified that DNA from Rivas Hernandez was found on stained cleaning wipes, while a swab from a trash bag showed a mixture from four people, including one profile she attributed to Burke.

The defense challenged the interpretation of the forensic evidence. Under questioning from attorney Blair Berk, Tosch acknowledged she could not say with certainty that the DNA came from blood, that DNA can transfer, and that testing could not establish when or how it was deposited. Another LAPD criminalist testified that two small chain saws found in the garage tested negative for blood, and the defense questioned why additional touch-DNA testing was not done.

KSL.com reported that prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose a sexual relationship, then dismembered her in the garage and kept her body in the front trunk of his Tesla for weeks or months before it was found after the car was towed. Those claims remain allegations pending the court’s decision and any trial.