On September 8, 2025, the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in Los Angeles, California inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla belonging to the music artist David Anthony Burke, stage name d4vd. The discovery prompted an investigation to be opened and it is currently ongoing.
David Burke, professionally known as d4vd, is an American singer and songwriter best known for his songs "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me". His songs often contain themes of love, heartbreak, and relationship struggles. As part of his newly released album, Withered, Burke announced a world tour, with performances set to take place across North America and Europe.[1]
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a 14-year-old[note 1] girl from Lake Elsinore,[2][3] born to parents who had immigrated from El Salvador.[4][5] Rivas had been reported as missing three times in the last year of her life according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.[6] She last ran away in April 2024, and last contacted her family in May 2024.[7]
Burke had seemingly known Rivas before her death, as after the identification of the body, numerous photographs allegedly showing them together were found. In addition, Rivas' mother had said her daughter had a boyfriend called "David", and Rivas and Burke had matching tattoos.[8][9] Rivas' brother told NBCLA that she initially went missing after being picked up by Burke in his Tesla.[10] Additionally, sources reportedly state that she resided in a rental property with Burke at the time and had initially met him through the internet.[11]
Discovery
On September 8, 2025, Burke performed at the Fillmore Minneapolis as part of his Withered Tour.[12][13] The same day, heavily decomposed human remains were discovered in Los Angeles inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke.[14][15][16] The discovery came after the LAPD was called by a tow yard worker to investigate a foul odor emanating from the Tesla.[12][17] The remains were found in a black bag in the front trunk.[18][19]
An LAPD captain later told KABC-TV that the body was at least partially dismembered but not decapitated.[7] The car was initially parked on Bluebird Avenue in Hollywood Hills, as early as late July 2025.[20] On September 3, the vehicle was cited for violating the 72-hour parking ordinance and impounded and towed to a Hollywood yard two days later.[21][22][23] The LAPD confirmed that the vehicle was ticketed 11 days before the body was found, and strongly suggested the deceased was in the trunk for the entire period the car was abandoned.[21][24][25]
On September 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body as that of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.[2][3] The body had to be identified through forensic examination due to the advanced decomposition.[18] Her body was found a day after her 15th birthday, and she is believed to have died a considerable amount of time before her body was discovered.[26] Identification of cause of death has proven to be difficult, given the advanced state of decomposition that the body was in.[27]Sources close to the investigation told news outlets that they believe that Rivas may have died in the spring of 2025.[28][29]
Investigation
On September 18, 2025, investigators from the LAPD executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property previously occupied by Burke.[30] During the search, electronic materials including a computer were seized.[31] Shortly after the search, Burke's manager terminated the lease on the property, and Burke moved out.[32] Burke has retained a criminal defense attorney known for representing other major celebrities, as the investigation continued.[33]
Initially, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Capt. Scot Williams stated there was no suspect in Rivas' death, citing the undetermined cause of death and uncertainty about criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.[34] However, the case is being treated as a potential homicide.[28][29] Investigators believe there may have been more than one person involved, and that another individual potentially helped in disposing of Rivas' body.[29][35] LAPD investigators are focusing on a trip they say Burke made to Santa Barbara County in spring 2025 and its potential relationship with this case.[36][37]
On November 26, the Los Angeles Times confirmed that an investigative grand jury had been convened over the course of the month to hear evidence in regard to possibly recommending charges relating to the case of Rivas' death.[20] Grand jury proceedings remain ongoing, and reportedly questioned the executive at Burke's record label.[38] Authorities reportedly have a suspect or suspects they believed were involved in the case, but have not made any announcements officially.[28][18]
As of December 2025, no charges have been filed against anyone, and the investigation remains ongoing.[28] Autopsy results to determine the cause of Rivas' death, which was deemed "deferred", are still pending.[39][40] The LAPD later filed a court order to block the medical examiner from releasing their findings related to the death of Rivas, which the medical examiner has legally challenged.[11]
Burke has been named a suspect in the investigation.[41]
Reactions
Days after the discovery, Burke's tour was cancelled.[5]
A vigil for Rivas was held in Lake Elsinore,[12][2] and her body was released to her family for memorial services.[42] On October 6, 2025, Rivas was buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California, following a private funeral service.[26]
After the discovery of Rivas' body, singer-songwriter Kali Uchis pulled the song collaboration, "Crashing" from streaming services, and stated that Burke is "not [her] friend".[43]
Notes
↑While Rivas Hernandez's body was found after her 15th birthday, decomposition suggested she had died before turning 15.
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