Singer D4vd is now being considered a suspect in the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, whose body was found inside an impounded Tesla in September, according to a source familiar with the case who spoke with Eyewitness News.
No arrests have been made, but investigators say they are confident they are “on the right path” toward identifying the person responsible. ABC News reports that detectives have contacted several individuals believed to be connected to the case.
Rivas-Hernandez, who lived in Lake Elsinore, had a history of running away but typically returned home. She last made contact with her family in May 2024 and had not been heard from since. Her body was discovered on September 8 at a tow yard near Mansfield Avenue and Romaine Street in Hollywood after officers responded to reports of a foul odor coming from a Tesla that had been impounded two days earlier.
According to LAPD sources, the teen’s remains were found inside a bag in the vehicle’s front trunk. The body was dismembered and severely decomposed, complicating the medical examiner’s efforts to determine an exact cause of death, though investigators believe she was murdered earlier in the year.
The Tesla was registered to 20-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, a rising music star with millions of followers and viral hits such as “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” Despite statements from his public relations team, multiple sources say D4vd has not cooperated with investigators at any point.
The artist was on tour when the body was discovered, but the remaining dates were abruptly canceled. In mid-September, detectives executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills residence where he had been staying, seizing several items including a computer. Shortly after, records show he transferred ownership of his Cypress, Texas home to his mother. Officials also noted a fake swatting call was made to that residence on September 17.
The investigation remains active. Authorities say a formal ruling on the cause of death is expected soon—a key step toward potential charges.