Singer D4vd Suspected in Death of 15-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez Found in Tesla
Nov, 20 2025
The decomposing body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found inside the front trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2024 — a discovery that has since turned into one of the most chilling investigations in recent Los Angeles history. The vehicle, registered to 20-year-old R&B singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has placed him squarely in the crosshairs of law enforcement. Sources confirmed by ABC News on November 19, 2024, say D4vd is now considered a suspect in what investigators believe is a homicide involving dismemberment — and possibly multiple perpetrators.
How a Foul Odor Led to a Gruesome Discovery
It wasn’t a tip about a missing teen that uncovered the truth — it was the stench. A tow yard worker in Hollywood, a district within the city of Los Angeles, reported a foul odor coming from a Tesla that had been sitting in impound for two days. When officers opened the front trunk, they found a bag containing human remains. The body, severely decomposed, showed signs of dismemberment. Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a quiet teenager from Lake Elsinore, California, had been missing since April 2024. Her family last heard from her in a late-May phone call. She’d run away before — three times in 2024 alone — but this time, she never came back.
Who Is D4vd? A Rising Star With a Dark Shadow
David Anthony Burke, born in 2004, is no ordinary suspect. With over 33 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he’s a viral sensation. His breakout hits — “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide” — have drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, blending moody production with lyrics that flirt with themes of loss and obsession. The irony isn’t lost on investigators or fans. “Romantic Homicide” includes lines like, ‘I’d kill for you, baby, I’d die for you too.’ Now, those words are being scrutinized in court documents and police briefings.
According to sources, D4vd has no prior criminal record. He lives in Los Angeles and maintains a low public profile since the discovery. His lawyer, manager, and family have not responded to repeated requests for comment from KTLA 5 and ABC News. That silence, while legally understandable, has fueled speculation. The public, especially his young fanbase, is stunned. One fan tweeted: ‘I listened to his music when I was sad. I never thought he’d be part of something like this.’
The Investigation: More Than One Person Involved?
What makes this case particularly disturbing is the apparent complexity of the crime. Law enforcement sources tell ABC News that the process of dismembering and transporting the body ‘likely involved more than one person.’ That suggests planning, assistance, and possibly a network beyond D4vd alone. Investigators have reportedly contacted ‘multiple people they believe were involved in some way’ — though no arrests have been made as of November 19, 2024.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has yet to determine the cause or manner of death — a delay that’s unusual given the body was found over two months ago. Officials say the decomposition level has complicated forensic analysis, but they expect a determination ‘soon.’ That report, when it comes, could be the key to filing charges. Without it, prosecutors can’t move forward with murder or manslaughter charges — even if circumstantial evidence mounts.
Why This Case Resonates Beyond the Headlines
Celeste Rivas Hernandez wasn’t just another missing teen. She was a 15-year-old girl from a working-class neighborhood in Riverside County, with a love for art and music — the kind of kid who slips through the cracks. Her family reported her missing multiple times, and each time, she returned. But after her final disappearance in April, no one checked on her like they should have. The system failed her. Now, the spotlight is on D4vd — a celebrity with access to resources, privacy, and influence — while the victim’s story risks being buried under the noise of fame.
This case isn’t just about a singer and a corpse in a Tesla. It’s about power imbalances. About how society treats missing teens from non-affluent backgrounds. About the chilling normalization of dark themes in pop culture — and whether art can become a blueprint for violence. It’s also about accountability. Who helped dispose of the body? Who knew? And why did it take five months for anyone to find her?
What Happens Next?
Investigators are now reviewing cell tower data, surveillance footage from Hollywood, and D4vd’s digital footprint — including social media posts and private messages. They’re also examining the Tesla’s GPS history, which may show movement between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles during the weeks after Celeste vanished. If the Medical Examiner confirms homicide and the cause of death points to trauma or asphyxiation, an arrest could come within days.
D4vd’s management team and legal counsel are reportedly preparing for a possible indictment. Meanwhile, Celeste’s family has remained silent, but sources close to them say they’re demanding justice — not just for Celeste, but for every missing teen who never got the attention they deserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t D4vd been arrested yet?
No arrest has been made because the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause and manner of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. Prosecutors need this forensic conclusion to file criminal charges, especially for homicide. Without knowing whether she died from trauma, poisoning, or asphyxiation, even strong circumstantial evidence isn’t enough for an indictment.
Could D4vd have acted alone?
Investigators believe dismembering and transporting a body over 65 miles — from Lake Elsinore to Hollywood — likely required more than one person. The logistics, timing, and lack of blood evidence at the Tesla’s location suggest help. Authorities are reportedly interviewing several associates, including friends, crew members, or even strangers who may have assisted in the disposal.
What role did Celeste’s repeated runaways play in the investigation?
Her history of running away delayed the initial response. Each time she returned, authorities treated her disappearances as runaway cases, not abductions. This may have slowed the urgency of the search. Now, investigators are reviewing whether anyone in her social circle — including potential romantic partners — had access to her or knew she was in danger.
Why is the Tesla significant?
The Tesla was registered to D4vd and was abandoned in a public street before being towed. Its GPS logs, if retrievable, could show whether it traveled between Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles during the critical window after Celeste vanished. The front trunk — not the main trunk — is unusual for storage, suggesting deliberate concealment. Forensic teams are testing for trace evidence like blood, hair, or DNA.
How has the public reacted to D4vd being named a suspect?
The reaction has been polarized. Fans are in shock, with some deleting his music. Others defend him, calling it a media frenzy. Meanwhile, child advocacy groups have used the case to highlight how missing teens of color and from lower-income areas often get overlooked. Celeste’s name is now being raised in policy discussions about mandatory check-ins for minors who repeatedly go missing.
What’s the timeline for when we might get answers?
The Medical Examiner’s report is expected within weeks. Once that’s released, prosecutors will have 30 to 60 days to file charges if they have sufficient evidence. If D4vd is charged, arraignment could happen by early 2025. Until then, investigators are working around the clock — and the public is watching.