Decomposing body found in singer D4vd’s abandoned Tesla ID’d as Celeste Rivas, 15, who had been missing over a year

Decomposing body found in singer D4vd’s abandoned Tesla ID’d as Celeste Rivas, 15, who had been missing over a year

A disturbing discovery in Los Angeles has linked a missing teenager's disappearance to a vehicle registered to the burgeoning music artist, D4vd. The unfolding story involves a grim find inside an abandoned Tesla and a complex investigation that is captivating the public's attention.

The narrative began on September 8th when employees at a Los Angeles tow yard reported an unbearable odor emanating from a Tesla that had been impounded. Their unsettling discovery led to the unearthing of human remains concealed within the vehicle's trunk. The body was reportedly found wrapped in a bag, suggesting an attempt to conceal it.

Initial investigations revealed that the Tesla was registered to David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, a 20-year-old singer who gained prominence through platforms like TikTok. This immediately cast a spotlight on the young musician, adding another layer of intrigue to the already unsettling case.

Woman with long curly hair wearing a crucifix necklace.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has since confirmed the identity of the remains as those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for over a year. Hernandez was last seen on April 5, 2024, leaving her home in Lake Elsinore, a city approximately 69 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

At the time of her disappearance, Celeste was only 13 years old. According to a missing persons flyer, she was last seen wearing gray pants, a black sweater, a hat, and distinct Hello Kitty sandals. The details of her clothing at the time of her disappearance are now crucial pieces of evidence for investigators.

Adding a personal element to the investigation, Celeste's mother reportedly informed investigators that her daughter had a boyfriend named "David." While this information is yet to be officially confirmed by law enforcement, the coincidence with D4vd's given name has fueled speculation and heightened scrutiny.

Overhead view of a black impounded Tesla car at a tow yard, surrounded by other cars and yellow police tape.

D4vd, who is currently on his "Withered 2025 World Tour," is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. It is crucial to remember that, at this stage, he has not been charged with any crime related to Hernandez's death.

Law enforcement officials have not confirmed the mother's claims regarding her daughter's boyfriend, emphasizing the importance of avoiding premature conclusions and allowing the investigation to proceed thoroughly and impartially.

The U.S. Sun reported that representatives for Burke have not yet responded to requests for comment, further intensifying the media's interest and the public's curiosity surrounding the case.

d4vd performs at the 2024 Boston Calling Music Festival.

The Tesla in question, bearing Texas license plates, had been towed from an area in the Hollywood Hills. This detail suggests the vehicle may have been abandoned, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding its impoundment and the timeline leading up to the discovery.

Further complicating the situation, Celeste's mother also shared a detail about a distinctive tattoo her daughter possessed, which she believed could aid in confirming her identity. This tattoo became a significant focal point for investigators and the media alike.

Los Angeles police revealed that the victim found in the Tesla had a tattoo on her finger that read "shhh." Celeste's mother told TMZ that this tattoo was similar to one her daughter possessed, providing a potential link between the victim and the missing teenager.

Missing Person poster for Celeste Rivas Hernandez with three photos and descriptive details.

Intriguingly, photos of D4vd show that he also has a "shhh" tattoo on his right index finger. This coincidence has drawn considerable attention, though it's important to note that such tattoos are relatively common.

Several other artists, including Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, and Lily Allen, also sport similar "shhh" tattoos on their fingers. The existence of these similar tattoos among various celebrities underscores the need for caution in drawing conclusions based solely on this detail.

At the time of the discovery, investigators described the remains as belonging to a woman with wavy hair and weighing approximately 70 lbs. The victim was also found wearing black leggings, a tube top, stud earrings, and a W-shaped bracelet, providing further clues for identification.

Aerial view of a tow truck removing a dark-colored Tesla from a parking lot, with a white tent and police vehicle nearby.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, and investigators have stated that the remains were not intact, indicating the possibility of decomposition or other factors affecting the body's condition.

D4vd's rise to fame began in 2022 with viral TikTok hits like "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide." These songs garnered him nominations at the 2023 Stream Awards and the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards, solidifying his position as a rising star in the music industry.

He was scheduled to perform in Seattle as part of his "Withered 2025 World Tour," but the appearance has since been canceled. The reasons behind this cancellation remain unclear, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

d4vd poses with 5 Gum.

The discovery of the teen's body followed reports from workers at a Los Angeles tow yard who noticed a foul odor, highlighting the critical role of observant individuals in uncovering such sensitive cases.

The fact that D4vd is currently touring the US adds another dimension to the investigation, requiring law enforcement to coordinate their efforts across state lines if necessary.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the complexities of missing persons investigations and the devastating impact on families and communities. The confluence of circumstances, involving a rising musical artist, a missing teenager, and a grim discovery in an abandoned vehicle, has created a media storm and placed immense pressure on investigators to uncover the truth.

As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits answers with bated breath, hoping for justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and closure for her grieving family. The coming weeks and months will undoubtedly reveal more details about this tragic case, and it is imperative to allow law enforcement to conduct their work diligently and thoroughly.