Inside the D4vd Case: Teen’s Death Still a Mystery
Late in 2025, authorities uncovered a shocking discovery: the severely decomposed remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd (legal name David Anthony Burke). The vehicle had been towed in the Hollywood Hills on September 8 after a foul odor was reported.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has identified the body as Rivas, but the cause and manner of death remain undetermined. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that it “remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.”
No arrests have been made, and no individuals have been officially named as suspects. D4vd is not reported as a suspect; his team says he is cooperating with authorities.
Key New Developments
A private investigator, Steve Fischer, hired by the homeowner of the Hollywood Hills residence where D4vd had been living, has offered new details. Fischer says he has traced surveillance footage showing the Tesla moving into its final parking spot around late July 2025, suggesting the vehicle sat unused thereafter. Fischer asserted: “We now have a much better understanding of when that Tesla arrived at the final parking spot.”
The investigator further suggested that it is “very clear” who parked the car in its final location, though he declined to name that person publicly, deferring to the LAPD.
In addition, Fischer floated a possible accidental overdose theory: based on his review of evidence, he said the scenario may involve an unintentional overdose followed by panic and body disposal. He stressed that this is speculative and dependent on toxicology results.
The Victim's Background
Rivas had been reported missing multiple times in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California. Investigators are examining her history of running away and possible instability at home as part of the broader inquiry.
Investigation Unfolding
In the wake of her body’s discovery, D4vd cancelled the remaining dates of his “Withered” world tour and delayed the release of a deluxe version of his album. His legal team has reportedly included high-profile representation. A search warrant was served at the Hollywood Hills home where he stayed; laptops and other electronic devices were seized.
What’s Still Unknown—and What’s Next
Key questions remain unresolved: When exactly did Rivas die? How did her body come to be in the Tesla’s trunk? What was her relationship—if any—with D4vd? Authorities insist they are examining every lead but emphasize the investigation is ongoing and the case has not yet been declared a homicide.
Toxicology and forensic reports remain pending, and law-enforcement sources say the timeline from the gathering of surveillance footage, vehicle movement and missing-person reports will be critical. Fischer says his findings have been shared with LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide division.
The death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her discovery inside a vehicle connected to a prominent musician has drawn intense public and media attention. While the cause of death remains undetermined and no one has been charged, the accumulation of surveillance evidence, missing-person history and the private investigator’s findings bring fresh urgency to the investigation.
As the LAPD continues its probe, the key next steps will hinge on forensic results and whether they lead to formal criminal charges.
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