Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
On September 8, 2025, the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered in Los Angeles, California, inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to music artist David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. As of, the investigation remains active with no criminal charges filed.
Background
Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez was a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California. Born to parents who immigrated from El Salvador, Rivas was reported as missing three times in the final year of her life according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. She last ran away in April 2024 and last contacted her family in May 2024.Surveillance footage and digital evidence revealed that Rivas was alive in September 2024 and January 2025.
David Burke (D4vd)
David Burke, professionally known as D4vd, is an American singer-songwriter. He is best known for his songs "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me", which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and relationship struggles. In 2025, Burke released the album Withered and announced a world tour with performances across North America and Europe.Relationship between Burke and Rivas
After the discovery of Rivas's body, photographs allegedly showing them together surfaced. Rivas's mother stated that her daughter had a boyfriend named "David", and Rivas and Burke had matching tattoos. Rivas's brother told NBCLA that she went missing after Burke picked her up in his Tesla. Sources reported that she resided in a rental property with Burke and met him through the internet.Discovery of the body
On September 9, 2025, Burke performed at the Fillmore Minneapolis as part of his Withered Tour. The day before, heavily decomposed human remains were discovered in Los Angeles inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke.The forensic examination of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains has presented significant challenges due to cryopreservation and the freeze-thaw cycle. This has complicated determining the cause of death and the post-mortem interval.
The discovery came after the LAPD was called by a tow yard worker to investigate a foul odor emanating from the Tesla. The remains were found in a black bag in the front trunk.
An LAPD captain told KABC-TV the body was at least partially dismembered but not decapitated. The car was initially parked on Bluebird Avenue in Hollywood Hills as early as late July 2025. 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. The LAPD confirmed the vehicle was ticketed 11 days before the discovery, suggesting the body was likely in the trunk the entire period it was abandoned.
On September 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body as that of Celeste Rivas Hernandez through forensic examination due to advanced decomposition. Found a day after her 15th birthday, she is believed to have died a considerable amount of time before her body was discovered. Identification of the cause of death has proven to be difficult due to the body's advanced state of decomposition. Sources close to the investigation told news outlets she may have died in spring 2025.
Investigation
Search warrants and evidence
On September 18, 2025, LAPD investigators executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property occupied by Burke and seized electronic devices, including a computer. A private investigator hired by the property owner reported finding a "burn cage" incinerator.Burke's manager terminated the property lease shortly after the search, and he moved out. Burke has retained a criminal defense attorney known for representing celebrities.
LAPD Robbery-Homicide Capt. Scot Williams stated that no suspect had been identified in Rivas's death, citing the undetermined cause of death and uncertainty about criminal culpability beyond concealment of her body. The case is being treated as a potential homicide. Investigators suspect multiple people were involved in disposing of the body. LAPD investigators are focusing on a trip to Santa Barbara County in spring 2025 by Burke and its potential relationship to the case.
Grand jury and legal proceedings
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 regarding possibly recommending charges relating to the case of Rivas's death. Grand jury proceedings remain ongoing, and reportedly questioned the executive at Burke's record label. Authorities reportedly have identified a suspect or suspects they believe were involved in the case, but have not made any official announcements.The grand jury process is ongoing, with more witnesses potentially being called to testify through February 2026. Prosecutors, led by Beth Silverman, believe Burke was involved in the death and are pushing for murder charges. Multiple sources indicate Burke is "likely" to face such charges. The grand jury will be asked to hand down an indictment based on the evidence presented, including physical evidence, digital records, and witness testimony.
As of, no charges have been filed against anyone, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Court order and medical examiner's response
On November 21, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department obtained a court order to place a security hold on the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's case file for Rivas', preventing the release of any details, including the cause and manner of death. The order was granted by Los Angeles Superior Court judge Craig Richman, who sealed the medical examiner's findings, including autopsy results, citing potential risks to the investigation or witnesses.The Medical Examiner's office, led by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo, publicly criticized the order, stating that security holds are rare and not proven to improve investigative outcomes. Ukpo noted that the LAPD had previously requested a hold on September 15, 2025, which was denied due to insufficient justification. The office reiterated its commitment to transparency but acknowledged it was legally bound to comply with the court order until it is lifted.
In a court declaration, LAPD Det. Joshua Byers of the Robbery-Homicide Division argued that releasing autopsy details could reveal investigative strategies, witness identities, or informant information, potentially endangering lives or compromising the case. The judge ordered Byers' declaration and related documents sealed until further notice.
Public statement from LAPD
On November 24, 2025, the LAPD publicly characterized the case as an "investigation into murder" for the first time, a shift from earlier statements that avoided classifying Rivas' death as a homicide. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated that "accountability is coming" and assured that detectives were actively pursuing justice for Rivas, emphasizing that "no one is off the table, including Burke."The department also clarified that Rivas' body was neither frozen nor decapitated, addressing widespread misinformation. Investigators confirmed that the Tesla had been parked on Bluebird Avenue since late July 2025, around the time Burke began his national tour, and that evidence suggested Rivas may have died in spring 2025.
Forensic and toxicology reports
Autopsy results to determine the cause of Rivas's death, which was deemed "deferred", are still pending. 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.The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet disclosed the cause or manner of death due to an ongoing investigation and a court-ordered security hold on the case details. Toxicology reports are pending and are expected to be crucial in determining if there was any poisoning, overdose, or incapacitation.
Suspects and legal representation
Burke has been named a suspect in the investigation. He has retained criminal defense attorney Blair Berk, known for representing other major celebrities, as the investigation continues.Civil litigation
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is considering filing a civil lawsuit against the LAPD to force the release of evidence and records related to the investigation. This potential legal action is being considered due to delays in the investigation and a lack of transparency from law enforcement. Attorney Neama Rahmani has suggested that the family could pursue a civil suit to obtain the withheld information, emphasizing that concealing a body is a crime regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death.Reactions
Tour cancellation
Days after the discovery, the remainder of Burke's 'Withered' tour was cancelled.Vigils and memorials
A vigil for Rivas was held in Lake Elsinore, and her body was released to her family for memorial services. On October 6, 2025, Rivas was buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California, following a private funeral service.Industry and collaborator reactions
After the discovery of Rivas's body, singer-songwriter Kali Uchis pulled the song collaboration, "Crashing", from streaming services, and stated that Burke is "not my friend. I did a song with him, which is currently in the process of being taken down." Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey quietly pulled the song "This Is How It Feels" from streaming services. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu announced she would be changing her routine, which included the aforementioned song.Burke's song "What Are You Waiting For" was removed from the soundtrack for Madden NFL 26 without a statement from the publisher, EA Sports. He was also removed from the Spilt Milk 2025 festival lineup.
Public and media reactions
The case has garnered significant media attention due to Burke's public persona and the circumstances of Rivas' death. Burke's music, which often explores dark themes such as violence and death, has been scrutinized in light of the investigation. For example, his music video for Romantic Homicide features imagery of a bloodied woman and a blindfolded figure, while the video for One More Dance depicts a person being stuffed into a car trunk.Public speculation intensified after the LAPD confirmed it was investigating a trip Burke made to Santa Barbara County in spring 2025, though its relevance to the case remains unclear. The department's unusual decision to seek a court-ordered secrecy hold on the medical examiner's report further fueled discussion about transparency and the handling of high-profile cases.