TMZ sifts through surveillance video of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Share this @internewscast.com

Investigators are set to examine more evidence after a teenager’s body was discovered in the trunk of a car owned by singer D4vd. This is crucial before any charges can be filed regarding the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The circumstances of the teen’s death remain uncertain, as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has categorized Rivas Hernandez’s cause of death as “deferred,” requiring further testing.

Without a definitive determination of death, authorities cannot proceed with arrests, legal experts explain. Once classified as a homicide, authorities can delve deeper into identifying potential suspects.

“I think at this point, it’s more about gathering information,” criminal defense attorney Sara Azari told “Banfield.”

“Our defense strategy depends largely on the evidence—what charges are brought, whether there is digital evidence, informants cooperating, or videos suggesting a relationship that extends beyond friendship between an older and a younger teen. The evidence is critical,” she stated.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains found in D4vd’s Tesla

The teen was reported missing in April 2024 when she was only 13 years old, authorities said.  

Her remains were discovered inside the Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, D4vd’s real name, at a Hollywood tow yard on Sept. 8. 

Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Celeste Hernandez Rivas, 15, was found dismembered in the trunk of a Tesla at an L.A. tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. (RCSD)

LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams noted ongoing queries concerning the teen’s demise. “It’s established that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died and was placed in the front trunk of David Burke’s (D4vd’s legal name) Tesla,” he shared with People Magazine.

Celeste’s body was “likely” in Burke’s Tesla weeks before she was found, he told the outlet.

D4vd’s home searched after Celeste’s body found

The singer’s home was thoroughly searched by the LAPD shortly after the body was found. 

Police swooped on the house D4vd had been staying at in search of anything resembling “blood evidence,” TMZ’s Charles Latibeaudiere told “Banfield”.

“Investigators have been checking drains to search for any blood, tissue, or other evidence,” he explained. “The house was thoroughly examined for any pertinent evidence.”

“We know that Tesla is his,” Latibeaudiere said. “The thing that’s still not clear is who was actually driving the Tesla when the body was placed in the car? Who parked it where it was eventually found and impounded? Those are the dots that still need to be connected here.”

d4vd performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 01, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 01: d4vd performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 01, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)

Without these answers, it will be difficult for police to file charges. 

D4vd’s connections to Celeste prior to her death

Questions have swirled surrounding D4vd’s relationship with Rivas Hernandez, with some pointing to alleged matching tattoos, song titles and comments from friends.

Friends of the singer “frequently” saw the pair together and believed they “were romantically involved,” TMZ senior news reporter Charlie Neff told in September.

D4vd was on tour when he was contacted by police, who told him a decomposing body was found in his car. 

While police haven’t officially linked D4vd and the victim, a leaked D4vd song mentions Celeste multiple times, Latibeaudiere said. 

The track, which leaked on Soundcloud in December 2023, was titled “Celeste_Demo unfin.” 

The singer canceled the rest of his tour amid an investigation into Celeste’s death.   

’s Teddy Grant and Rob Taub contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Canterbury’s First Female Archbishop Takes Office

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Federal Closure Halts Marriage License Issuance in DC

In the nation’s capital, couples ready to tie the knot are facing…

Monahan from STM Named WCIA 3’s Athlete of the Week

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Cassidy Monahan needed to step up as a…

Job Hiring Plans Hit Their Lowest Point Since 2009, Report Reveals

(NewsNation) — In September, U.S. employers reported a decrease in job cuts,…

Texas Megachurch Pastor Admits to Sexual Abuse of a Child

IE 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please access…

Thune claims discussions with Schumer are unlikely to achieve much

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Homicide Ruling Raises Questions for Family After Denver Inmate’s Death

DENVER (KDVR) A Lakewood mother is getting an update months after her…

Hegseth Reports on Recent Boat Strike Near Venezuela Linked to Drug Trafficking

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that he had…

Parents of College Student Killed in Tesla Crash Claim Design Flaw Trapped Her Inside Burning Vehicle

The parents of a college student who died in a Tesla crash…

Investigation into Augusta shooting begins, victim reportedly struck multiple times

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a…

Gaza Aid Activists Held by Israeli Forces

Internet Explorer 11 is unsupported. For the best browsing experience, please visit…

New Exhibit Set to Be Installed at STEAM Center

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Coastal Heritage Society welcomed a special delivery over…