Community Honors Celeste Rivas in Lake Elsinore Following D4vd’s Arrest

Outside the Rivas family residence, a growing tribute has taken shape, serving as a poignant memorial for Celeste Rivas, the 14-year-old tragically discovered dismembered in a Tesla trunk connected to the singer D4vd.

In the wake of the artist’s arrest for the murder, a wave of support has surged from the community, with friends and neighbors laying out an array of candles, heartfelt cards, flowers, and plush toys at the Lake Elsinore home, situated roughly 100 miles from Los Angeles.

Kayleigh Cortez, a 36-year-old neighbor, shared her memories of Rivas with The California Post, describing her as a “beautiful little girl” with “big, beautiful curls.” Cortez has been instrumental in establishing the memorial, expressing relief at the recent arrest. “It’s a very good thing. I’ve been waiting for this to happen. I know cases do take a long time – some people never get justice,” she remarked.

While the Rivas family remains reserved amidst their grief, they have subtly acknowledged the memorial’s presence. “When I’m out here attending to the memorial, they do come out and say thank you for everything that I do for her,” Cortez explained, adding, “and I just send them a little wave,” she recounted to The Post.

Cortez said Rivas’ family, while quiet, have acknowledged the memorial in passing.

“When I’m out here attending to the memorial, they do come out and say thank you for everything that I do for her,” said Cortez, “and I just send them a little wave,” she told The Post.

“It’s sad,” added Cortez. “I started this memorial because I have a 14-year-old daughter. She would have gone to high school with Celeste. She was an eighth grader when she passed. I want her name alive,” she added.

Rivas’ family did not appear to be home on Friday when The Post spoke to Cortez.

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Neighbor Jamxie Roman, 55, said she remembered Celeste as a happy and talkative child.

“I hope that the family is going to receive justice for their daughter and will be able to find some peace,” she told The Post.

Roman last spoke with Celeste when her 21-year-old daughter held a yard sale at their home across the street from the Rivas family home. 

“I can’t even imagine if that was my daughter,” Roman said. “How can you comfort someone who is going through this?”

D4vd’s lawyers have maintained his innocence.

“Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death. There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed,” his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said.

“David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” they continued.

D4vd was arrested by the LAPD Thursday in a dramatic operation. Officers could be heard using a loudspeaker and giving the singer directions to surrender.

In exclusive footage, obtained by The California Post, D4vd could be seen being led away from the home wearing grey sweatpants and a black hoodie. The singer was taken into custody without incident.

The street where the singer was living, located behind the iconic Chateau Marmont, was closed off by cops immediately following the arrest.

Rivas’ official cause of death is still unclear, as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet released information to the public. The 14-year-old was reported missing by her family in April 2025 and her dismembered body was discovered in the Tesla in September.

Horrifying details were revealed in unsealed court documents about the state Rivas’ body was found. Her body parts were discovered in two different cadaver bags in the Tesla and she had been decapitated.

Rivas’ family has not said much in the months since their daughter’s body was discovered. D4vd canceled his ongoing tour following the initial news of the body’s discovery and has been silent ever since, hiding out in Los Angeles.