Celeste Rivas‘ parents’ attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, criticised D4vd’s legal team’s courtroom strategy. The lawyer said the family was horrified by the arguments presented during the preliminary hearing.
He accused the defense of attempting to shift blame onto the 14-year-old. The comments came after D4vd’s defense reportedly raised the possibility that Celeste died by suicide.
Patrick Steinfeld criticized D4vd’s legal team’s arguments
Steinfeld represented Celeste’s parents and spoke after D4vd’s preliminary hearing. He said he was disturbed by the defense’s approach throughout the proceedings. According to TMZ, Steinfeld accused the lawyers of “stopping at nothing” to discredit the prosecution’s evidence.
Steinfeld said Celeste’s family was horrified by the defense’s arguments. He claimed the courtroom strategy attempted to place responsibility on their minor daughter. The lawyer also challenged D4vd’s claim that Celeste told him she was 18.
Steinfeld pointed to a February 2024 welfare check involving the teenager. He said a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy allegedly told D4vd that Celeste was 13. Steinfeld argued that D4vd therefore knew Celeste was a minor. He argued that the singer had no defense if he knew Celeste was under 14. D4vd’s legal team had reportedly presented messages and travel documents during the hearing.
Steinfeld later told TMZ that Celeste’s family felt relieved after attending most of the five-day hearing. He said they were glad the judge found enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The judge’s decision followed testimony and evidence presented during the preliminary hearing.
Steinfeld declined to comment on the defense’s messages and travel documents. He reportedly cited legal reasons for avoiding further discussion. The case remained ongoing as D4vd faced multiple serious charges.
D4vd was charged with murder and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He also faced a charge involving continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. The singer pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support.
