Missing 15-year-old Celeste Rivas confirmed dead after body discovered in Tesla registered to singer d4vd; homicide investigation underway.

September 21 2025 — Authorities have confirmed that a decomposed body discovered in a Tesla registered to singer David Anthony Burke (known professionally as d4vd) has been identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing since April 5, 2024.

Key Facts

The body was found on September 8, 2025 at a tow yard in Hollywood after a foul odor was reported coming from an impounded black Tesla.

The vehicle, according to police, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for several days before being towed.

Celeste Rivas had gone missing from Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, in April 2024, aged 13 at that time.

The medical examiner described the body as “severely decomposed” and found in the front trunk of the Tesla, wrapped inside a bag.

The cause of death is not yet determined. Authorities are treating this as a possible homicide investigation.

Investigation Status

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division have obtained a search warrant and conducted a search at a Hollywood Hills residence associated with d4vd. Items such as computers and electronics have been seized as evidence.

d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) has publicly stated that he is cooperating with law enforcement.

As of now, no arrest has been reported, and no charges have been filed.

Public Impact & Reactions

The case has generated widespread attention on social media and in the press, especially given d4vd’s popularity as a young artist.

Various rumors and speculations have surfaced (some unverified), including about the relationship between the missing teen and the artist, unusual tattoo matches, and timelines. Authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions until forensic and investigative work are complete.

Image Credit: The Independent

What is Unknown & Next Steps

The precise cause and manner of death remain undetermined; additional forensic tests and pathology reports are awaited.

The timeline of how Celeste came to be in the Tesla, and who had control of the vehicle during the time it was abandoned, are under investigation.

Investigators are retracing Celeste’s last known movements, digital data, social media, and possible connections to the property searched.

Conclusion

The identification of the body as Celeste Rivas fills in a tragic part of a disappearance case more than a year old. Many questions remain about how she ended up in the vehicle registered to d4vd, and how long before discovery she died. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement working to uncover answers and whether anyone will be held legally responsible.