Tessa Everly
In September 2025, the tragic discovery of the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez shocked the community when it was found in the front trunk of a Tesla owned by the musician d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke). The vehicle was impounded in a Hollywood Hills tow lot after concerned neighbors reported an overwhelming and unsettling odor. Just two days later, authorities confirmed the identity of the remains as belonging to Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing since 2024, prompting widespread media coverage and public outcry.
Since the grim discovery, the investigation has intensified significantly. Homes owned by d4vd were searched under legal warrants, and he subsequently canceled his U.S. tour dates amidst increasing public scrutiny. Major brands that had been collaborating with him have also pulled promotional content, reflecting the escalating seriousness of the situation. Reports by TMZ indicated that law enforcement was treating her death as a homicide, with sources suggesting in November 2025 that investigators were considering d4vd as a potential suspect in this shocking case.
Just five months later, d4vd was taken into custody in connection with the murder of Celeste Rivas, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
We have gathered all the available information regarding Rivas and her alleged connection to d4vd, as well as the ongoing investigation led by the Los Angeles Police Department. This compilation aims to provide clarity on the events surrounding this heartbreaking case.
Discover the Life and Background of Celeste Rivas
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California, who was reported missing in 2024 at the tender age of 13. Her remains were tragically uncovered on September 8, 2025, inside the impounded Tesla that belonged to singer d4vd. The revelation shocked her family and friends, who had been desperately searching for her since her disappearance.
Initially, authorities faced challenges in determining her age and ethnicity due to the advanced decomposition of her body. However, with diligent investigative efforts, her identity was confirmed through official records and the support of her family. This identification brought a tragic closure to a long period of uncertainty for her loved ones.
How Long Was Celeste Rivas Missing Before Her Discovery?
Celeste Rivas vanished in April 2024, and her absence was felt deeply by her family and friends. For months, she remained unaccounted for until her remains were shockingly found in the trunk of d4vd‘s car, highlighting the urgent need for investigations into missing persons and the tragic realities faced by families in similar situations.
The body found in a towed Tesla that was registered to the singer D4vd has been identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, according to officials. https://t.co/yAPc3p8k3F pic.twitter.com/9tSsMTZJO2
— ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2025
What Are the Circumstances Surrounding Celeste Rivas’ Death?
Currently, the exact cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez remains unknown. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has classified her cause of death as “deferred,” indicating that autopsy and toxicology results are still pending. This uncertainty continues to fuel public interest and speculation regarding the tragic circumstances surrounding her demise.
Authorities speculate that her body may have been inside the Tesla for several weeks prior to its discovery, which complicates the investigation into the circumstances of her death. The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is actively leading the inquiry and recently executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills residence associated with d4vd, where they collected electronic devices and computers for further examination. Despite rampant speculation about potential suspects, police have not officially named any individuals of interest, including d4vd.
How and Where Was Celeste Rivas Discovered?
On September 8, 2025, Celeste Rivas was found deceased in the trunk of d4vd‘s Tesla, which had been towed to a yard in Los Angeles. Reports suggest that the vehicle had been abandoned for five days before it was discovered, although the exact location where it was parked prior to being towed remains unclear. This mystery adds to the complexity of the ongoing investigation.
Police were alerted to investigate the car after a foul odor was reported, leading to the grim discovery that would shock the community and raise serious questions about the circumstances surrounding Rivas’s disappearance.
What Links Exist Between Celeste Rivas and d4vd?
In April 2026, d4vd was arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation. The nature of their relationship is under scrutiny, with reports indicating that they shared identical tattoos on their right index fingers, which read, “Shhh.” This intriguing detail has led to further speculation about their connection.
Moreover, Rivas‘ mother disclosed to TMZ that her daughter had a boyfriend named David prior to her disappearance in 2024. This revelation adds another layer to the investigation, as d4vd‘s real name is also David, potentially intertwining their lives in ways that may prove crucial for the ongoing investigation.
Ivy Caldwell
Cameron Steel
