Celeste Rivas, a California teen found dead inside singer D4vd’s vehicle earlier this month, was likely dead for weeks before police discovered her.
Previously reported by CrimeOnline, the body of a young girl was discovered by Los Angeles police on September 8 in a Tesla linked to D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.
“Evidence suggests the Tesla had remained stationed at its location for quite some time before it was towed, indicating that Celeste Rivas Hernandez might have been deceased for several weeks before her remains were discovered,” shared LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams in an interview with People Magazine.
“Currently, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not identified either the cause or manner of her death, leaving questions about potential criminal responsibility, aside from the concealment of her body.”
The discovery of the vehicle occurred at a tow yard in Hollywood, following reports from neighbors near Burke’s rented home in Hollywood Hills concerning an abandoned car with Texas plates on September 6.
Police indicated the Tesla had sat in the yard for several days prior to the gruesome find. Authorities noted that Celeste’s remains showed signs of dismemberment, having been placed in a bag within the front compartment.
They found her just one day after she turned 15, “severely decomposed,” meaning she likely died at age 14.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed Celeste was reported missing from Lake Elsinore last year but has yet to release more information about the details surrounding her disappearance.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Celeste’s family had reported her missing at least three times in the past year. During one instance, police brought her back home and during another instance, she returned home voluntarily.
So far, Burke has not been arrested or named as a suspect. Police initially said he had been cooperating with the investigation, but he has since retained an attorney.
Investigators searched Burke’s rental home, off of Sunset Boulevard, on September 17, reportedly taking numerous items from the residence. Burke has since moved out.
Police have not confirmed the connection between Celeste and Burke, but her mother reportedly said that she had a boyfriend named David.
“As far as their relationship, it would be premature for me to say anything,” Williams said. “We are looking into everything.”
A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Celeste Rivas; Handout/ (r) d4vd arrives at the Streamy Awards on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP]
