Los Angeles police detectives are conducting an ongoing investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in September inside the front trunk, or “frunk,” of a Tesla registered to musician David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd. Authorities continue to gather evidence while emphasizing that no arrests have been made and the cause of death remains “deferred,” pending further analysis.
On the evening of September 18, LAPD homicide detectives executed a search of a Hollywood Hills residence connected to D4vd. The home is near where the Tesla was originally abandoned before it was towed to an impound lot in Hollywood.
A tweet from X.
According to media reports, detectives were seen in plainclothes with various evidence bags and a computer, suggesting forensic and cyber investigations. SkyCal footage reportedly showed a Tesla in the garage with the frunk open, though LAPD has not publicly confirmed a direct connection between the search and Celeste’s death.
A local news report noted,
“It is literally right where we know that the car was towed from,”
underscoring the proximity of the search site to the original vehicle location. The Hollywood Watch commander indicated that this appears to be a targeted detective operation, not routine patrol activity.
Celeste Rivas was missing from Lake Elsinore, California, April 5, 2024, at the age of 13. She was found decomposed in the frunk of a black Tesla September 8, 2025, after bad smell was observed at a tow yard in Hollywood.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner identified the bones as belonging to Celeste and noted the manner of death as “deferred,”meaning more testing and examination are required to determine the exact conditions. Advanced decay has made it difficult for forensic examination.
D4vd, 20, has reportedly cooperated with authorities and canceled all scheduled performances, including a Seattle tour date, following the discovery. A representative confirmed his cooperation but no public statements have been issued by the musician.
Celeste was 15 years old at the time of her death. Described as 5’2” with wavy black hair and weighing approximately 71 pounds, she was found wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and stud earrings. Reports also note a distinctive “Shhh” tattoo on her right index finger, a detail that has drawn public attention.
Her family and community have expressed grief over her disappearance and tragic death, highlighting the loss of a young life filled with potential.
David Anthony Burke, performing as D4vd, is a rising alt-pop musician with millions of online followers, known for songs including Romantic Homicide and Here With Me.
Investigators have reportedly reviewed Discord chat logs from 2022 to 2024 showing conversations between D4vd and a user identified as “Celeste.” By 2024, members of D4vd’s online community had discussed rumors of a relationship. Media reports also note that Celeste’s mother claimed her daughter referred to a boyfriend named David and pointed to matching “Shhh” tattoos on their right index fingers.
Officials point out that these details are part of the ongoing investigation, and no charges have been filed. Any claims of criminal culpability are unsubstantiated and must be handled with caution.
The case has come under widespread social media discussion concerning online grooming, adult-minor relationships, and celebrity involvement in celebrity cases. Authorities describe how body decompositions in cars make it challenging to establish chronology and forensic evidence, and FBI statistics report over 365,000 US missing children in 2024.
Authorities and child protection organizations urge society to use only verifiable information and not spread unfounded hearsay, particularly in reference to children or investigated cases.
The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is continuing to investigate the demise of Celeste Rivas, gathering evidence at D4vd’s residence and the Tesla involved in the case. Manner of death is yet to be determined and no arrests nor charges have been filed.
