Photos of Air Fresheners Inside D4vd’s Tesla Presented During Preliminary Hearing
Prosecutors unveiled new evidence Wednesday in the criminal case against rapper D4vd, presenting photographs they say show numerous air fresheners placed throughout his Tesla, where investigators allege the decomposing remains of Celeste Rivas were later found.
The evidence surfaced during the artist’s preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, where prosecutors continued laying out the case against the musician. According to testimony presented in court, investigators found multiple air fresheners distributed throughout the vehicle, including near the front trunk, where authorities allege Rivas’ remains were discovered.
The hearing is part of the ongoing criminal proceedings against D4vd, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors Detail Evidence Found Inside the Tesla
According to testimony from LAPD criminalist Chelsea Murillo, at least 11 air fresheners were located throughout the Tesla.
Photographs shown in court reportedly depicted the air fresheners inside the center console, on the rear seats and in the vehicle’s front trunk.
Murillo testified that investigators found Celeste Rivas’ decomposing remains inside two bags stored in the front trunk.
Prosecutors did not explicitly argue that the air fresheners were used for any specific purpose. However, the evidence was introduced as part of the broader investigation into the condition of the vehicle when it was examined.
Murillo also testified that when she inspected the Tesla on Sept. 9—the day after authorities discovered the remains—the front trunk emitted what she described as a “strong odor.”
Earlier Testimony Included Crime Scene Images and Financial Records
The latest testimony followed an emotional day in court during which prosecutors presented graphic crime scene photographs of Rivas’ remains.
Jurors also heard testimony from an LAPD investigator who said officers noticed what appeared to be Rivas’ name tattooed on one of D4vd’s fingers while he was being booked.
In addition, prosecutors called executives from Interscope Records to testify about D4vd’s recording contract.
According to their testimony, the rapper remained signed to the label for approximately eight months after prosecutors allege Rivas was killed.
The executives testified that Interscope paid D4vd and businesses connected to him more than $5.1 million between 2022 and 2025 before terminating his recording agreement in December 2025.
Another witness testified that D4vd earned an estimated $12 million between 2023 and 2025.
Those financial details were presented as part of the prosecution’s broader case during the preliminary hearing.
The Charges Against D4vd
D4vd faces several serious felony charges in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors have charged him with one count of murder, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and one count of unlawful mutilation of human remains.
He has entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
Because the criminal proceedings remain ongoing, the allegations have not been proven in court, and D4vd is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has previously stated that the death penalty remains under consideration in the case.
Why the Hearing Matters
Preliminary hearings allow prosecutors to present evidence in an effort to establish that there is sufficient cause for a criminal case to proceed toward trial.
This week’s proceedings have offered the public a closer look at some of the evidence investigators say they collected, including photographs from inside the Tesla, testimony from forensic experts, and financial records connected to D4vd’s music career.
The hearing is not intended to determine guilt or innocence but rather to assess whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence for the case to move forward.
Human Angle
The case continues to draw significant public attention because it combines allegations involving a rising music artist with disturbing accusations surrounding the death of Celeste Rivas.
Throughout the hearings, prosecutors have relied on forensic testimony, witness accounts and documentary evidence to support their case. Meanwhile, D4vd has maintained his not guilty plea as the legal process continues.
With additional hearings expected, the court will continue evaluating the evidence before determining the next stage of the criminal proceedings.
