Prosecutors Face Hurdles Using D4vd's Lyrics in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Homicide Case

California law restricts use of artistic expression as evidence, though prosecutors may argue some lyrics are probative.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a car trunk latch, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death.The discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body in the trunk of a Tesla has intensified scrutiny around the potential use of an artist's creative work as evidence in a criminal case.Chicago Today

After months of investigation, the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is now being probed as a homicide, and rising R&B artist D4vd has been taken into custody. Some observers have pointed to D4vd's lyrics and music videos as potential clues, but legal experts say prosecutors will face significant challenges in using that artistic expression as evidence against him.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing legal debate over the use of song lyrics and other artistic works in criminal proceedings, with California recently passing a law aimed at protecting artists' First Amendment rights and preventing racial bias.

The details

Rivas Hernandez's body was found in the trunk of a Tesla linked to D4vd, intensifying public attention. Songs like 'Romantic Homicide' include imagery that some say mirrors elements of the investigation. However, the 2022 California law warns against treating artistic expression as evidence of a defendant's propensity for violence or criminal disposition, and against injecting racial bias.

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in April 2024.
  • Her body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla in September 2025.
  • D4vd was taken into custody on suspicion of murder on April 17, 2026.

The players

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

The victim whose death is now being investigated as a homicide.

D4vd

A rising R&B artist who has been taken into custody in connection with Rivas Hernandez's death.

Alison Triessl

A legal analyst who has provided insight on the challenges prosecutors may face in using D4vd's lyrics as evidence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'It will be difficult for the prosecution to introduce D4vd's song lyrics against him if he is charged in connection with Celeste's death. In 2022, California passed a law specifically designed to protect an artist's First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and expression.'”

— Alison Triessl, Legal Analyst

“'While the law does not prevent lyrics from being introduced, it places heavy restrictions on their admissibility and the weight a jury can give them. Prosecutors may argue that specific lyrics are probative and not inherently racially prejudicial.'”

— Alison Triessl, Legal Analyst

What’s next

D4vd is being held on suspicion of murder as the case is presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The arrest marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process, during which the court will determine whether D4vd's music is viewed as pure artistic expression or something prosecutors can use as evidence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal debate over the use of artistic expression, such as song lyrics, in criminal proceedings. While prosecutors may attempt to introduce D4vd's lyrics as evidence, they will face a high legal burden to convince a judge that such evidence is more probative than prejudicial, given California's law aimed at protecting artists' First Amendment rights.