Singer D4vd Requests Removal of Handcuffs for Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case

Singer D4vd has asked a Los Angeles judge to let him appear in court without handcuffs or other restraints during his preliminary hearing. According to NBC 4 Los Angeles, the hearing is set to begin soon, with prosecutors expected to present evidence in an effort to convince the judge that there is enough proof for the case to move forward to trial. D4vd's lawyer says the singer has behaved appropriately during all of his previous court appearances and has never tried to escape or disrupt proceedings, arguing that restraints are unnecessary.

According to NBC 4 Los Angeles, D4vd’s lawyer, Blair Berk, filed a motion asking the court to remove the singer’s handcuffs and other restraints during the preliminary hearing. In the motion, Berk argued that D4vd has attended five court hearings without causing any trouble. She said he has never tried to run away, has not acted violently, and has followed all courtroom rules. Because of this, the defense believes he should be allowed to appear in court without restraints. As of now, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo has not made a decision on the request. The preliminary hearing is an important step in the case. During the hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to the judge. They must show that there is enough evidence for the case to move forward to a full murder trial. Reports say some of the evidence expected to be shown in court could be graphic.

D4vd was arrested in April and charged with the first-degree murder of Celeste Rivas. His arrest came about seven months after the teenage girl's body was found dismembered inside a Tesla that authorities say was registered to him. Along with the murder charge, prosecutors have also charged him with lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under the age of 14 and with mutilating a body. Prosecutors claim that D4vd began a sexual relationship with Celeste when she was 13 years old. They say they have collected several pieces of evidence, including DNA, surveillance video, text messages, and phone records, which they believe connect him to the girl's death. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has remained in custody since his arrest earlier this year while the criminal case continues. The judge will first decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial. The court has also not yet ruled on D4vd’s request to have his handcuffs removed during the preliminary hearing. Until then, the legal process will continue, and the charges against him remain allegations that have not been proven in court.