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.
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.”
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.
