A Shocking Discovery That Triggered a Criminal Investigation
A disturbing discovery at a Los Angeles impound lot has placed rising music star d4vd at the center of a fast-moving criminal investigation after officers opened the trunk of his impounded Tesla and found the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Workers first alerted police to a strong, foul odor coming from the abandoned vehicle on September 8, leading officers to uncover the missing teen inside.
The car, registered to 20-year-old d4vd—real name David Anthony Burke—was towed from the Hollywood Hills after sitting for weeks, and law-enforcement sources now confirm he has been identified as a suspect, intensifying public scrutiny and pressure on detectives to determine how a missing teenager ended up in the trunk of a celebrity’s car.
Who is d4vd? David Anthony Burke — known to fans as d4vd — was on tour promoting his debut album Withered when Los Angeles police discovered an abandoned Tesla registered in his name with a body hidden in the trunk.
Who the Victim Was — and What Authorities Have Confirmed
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead the day after her 15th birthday. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed her identity, with the date of death listed as September 8. Investigators believe she had been deceased for several weeks, a detail that added urgency to an already deeply troubling case.
Celeste had been reported missing multiple times in 2024, according to Riverside County officials. While community members described her as a loving daughter and friend, the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear. Detectives have not disclosed whether she knew the singer or had any contact with him prior to her death.
Singer D4vd considered suspect in investigation of teen found dead in his Tesla
How Investigators Connected the Car to Singer d4vd
Police records show that the Tesla had been parked in a quiet Hollywood Hills neighborhood for nearly a month before being towed. Neighbors assumed it was an abandoned car until the odor at the impound lot forced a closer look.
Detectives later executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property where the singer had been staying earlier in the year and said they recovered several items relevant to the investigation. They have not publicly disclosed what those items were.
Officials are now working through a detailed timeline:
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When the vehicle was last driven
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Who had access to it
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When Celeste entered the trunk
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What digital or physical evidence links individuals to the car’s movements
The LAPD has acknowledged the case’s complexity, particularly given the involvement of a minor and a public figure.
Why the Discovery Has Sparked Public Outrage
The combination of a missing teenager, an abandoned luxury vehicle, and a well-known artist has created a storm of emotion around the case. Residents in the Hollywood Hills expressed shock after learning the car sitting in their neighborhood for weeks held a deceased child.
In Lake Elsinore, Celeste’s hometown community gathered for a vigil that drew dozens of people, including many who had never met her but felt deeply affected by the circumstances of her death.
The Legal Process: What Police Must Establish Before Any Arrest
Cases involving deceased minors in private vehicles follow specific legal steps to ensure evidence remains intact and the investigation stays reliable.
Cause of Death Comes First
Before police or prosecutors can consider charges, the medical examiner must determine cause and manner of death.
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A ruling of homicide redirects the investigation toward human involvement.
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A ruling of undetermined often slows progress until further forensic or digital evidence becomes available.
Being Labeled a “Suspect”
The term indicates investigators believe someone may have knowledge or involvement that needs closer scrutiny. It does not imply guilt or guarantee charges.
What Prosecutors Need to File Charges
They must have:
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Verified findings from the medical examiner
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A clear, provable timeline
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Digital or forensic evidence linking an individual to the circumstances
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Properly documented chain of custody
If any of these elements are incomplete, prosecutors typically wait until the case meets courtroom standards.
Why Police Restrict Public Information
When minors are involved, many investigative details are withheld to protect privacy and avoid interfering with potential legal proceedings.
The Decomposing Body was Found in Vehicle Registered to Singer D4vd
What Happens Next in the LAPD Investigation
The medical examiner’s final report will determine the next phase of the case. That ruling will clarify whether detectives move toward presenting the case to prosecutors or continue gathering additional evidence.
Investigators are still reviewing digital records, interviewing individuals tied to the vehicle, and verifying Celeste’s last known movements.
For now, the discovery of her body inside a car linked to a well-known artist stands as one of the most heartbreaking and unsettling investigations confronting Los Angeles law enforcement this year.
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