Overview of the D4vd-Celeste Rivas Case

On September 8, 2025, a foul odor emanating from an impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on North Mansfield Avenue led Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers to a gruesome discovery: the severely decomposed and dismembered body of a teenage girl in the vehicle’s front trunk (frunk). The car, bearing Texas license plates, had been towed two days earlier after being abandoned for over 72 hours on a public street in the upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood, specifically near the “Bird Streets” area. The vehicle was registered to David Anthony Burke, the 20-year-old singer known professionally as D4vd (pronounced “David”), whose viral hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” have garnered him over 33 million monthly Spotify listeners.

The victim was identified on September 17, 2025, by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a resident of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, California. Rivas had been reported missing multiple times since February 2024, with her final disappearance on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 years old—she was last seen heading to a movie with her brother but never returned. The medical examiner noted the body was contained in a bag, weighed approximately 70 pounds, and showed signs of being deceased for an extended period, with the official date of death listed as September 8 (discovery date). Key physical details included: height of about 5’1″ to 5’2″, wavy black hair, wearing a tube top, black leggings (size small), a yellow metal bracelet, and stud earrings. Most notably, she had a distinctive “Shhh…” tattoo on her right index finger—a matching tattoo later confirmed on D4vd, fueling speculation of a personal connection.

The cause of death remains “deferred” pending further forensic analysis, including toxicology and time-of-death estimation. While some early reports suggested a homicide classification, LAPD clarified on September 18 that it is currently a death investigation, not officially a homicide, with no suspects or persons of interest named. Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division are leading the probe, retracing Rivas’ final days and exploring potential links to D4vd. Investigators have emphasized that the Tesla was one of several vehicles owned by the singer, often shared among associates.

The LAPD Search of the Hollywood Hills Home

On September 17, 2025—hours after Rivas’ identification—LAPD homicide detectives executed a search warrant at a rental property on the 1300 block of Doheny Place in Hollywood Hills, roughly a block to a block-and-a-half from where the Tesla was abandoned. The two-story home, valued at around $20,000 per month in rent, was leased by Josh Marshall, D4vd’s manager at Interscope Records. Sources confirmed D4vd had been staying there intermittently but does not own it; neighbors reported seeing his Tesla frequently parked outside in the weeks prior, describing it as “suspicious” due to its prolonged presence.

The raid, which began around 3 p.m. and lasted several hours, involved a “swarm” of officers scouring the property for blood evidence, tissue traces in drains, and digital devices. Detectives seized a computer, multiple evidence bags, and other unspecified items for forensic analysis. LAPD’s official statement noted: “Several items of evidence were recovered and will be analyzed by detectives in the coming days. This is an ongoing investigation. Investigators are following up on several leads.” No arrests were made during the search, and authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby Ring cameras, alleyways, and party houses to identify who last drove the Tesla.

Online videos circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show D4vd at the property, including footage of him with music producer Benny Blanco, adding to public scrutiny.

Potential Connection Between D4vd and Celeste Rivas

While LAPD has not publicly linked D4vd to Rivas’ death, circumstantial details have sparked intense speculation:

The Matching Tattoo: Both Rivas and D4vd have identical “Shhh…” tattoos on their right index fingers, a detail first reported by TMZ after Rivas’ mother contacted them post-discovery. The mother, who had not seen her daughter in over a year, mentioned Celeste had a boyfriend named “David” and expressed suspicion upon learning of the tattoo match.
Reported Relationship: Rivas’ family confirmed to outlets like NBC Los Angeles that she knew D4vd. Unverified photos have surfaced online purporting to show the two together, though their authenticity remains unconfirmed by investigators. Rivas’ brother, Matthew, told NBCLA that the family was aware of her association with the singer. Social media rumors suggest Rivas may have run away to be with him, possibly living off-grid or at the Hollywood Hills property after her disappearance.
Viral Rumors and Leaks: A purported leaked track titled “Celeste” surfaced online shortly after the identification, with lyrics including lines like “I wanna make you suicidal” and “Oh, Celeste / Afraid you’ll only love me when undressed.” Its connection to D4vd is unconfirmed and dismissed by some as fan speculation. Additional unverified claims on social media allege Rivas was pregnant at the time of death, but no official reports support this.

D4vd’s representative stated to NBC News: “D4vd has been informed about what’s happened. And, although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.” The singer, born in Houston and now based in Los Angeles, has not publicly commented.

D4vd’s Response and Tour Disruptions

The case has significantly impacted D4vd’s career. He was midway through his Withered World Tour, promoting his debut album Withered, when the body was found. His September 17 show at Seattle’s Showbox SoDo was canceled hours after Rivas’ identification, with the venue citing unspecified reasons. By September 19, the remaining U.S. dates—including a Los Angeles performance on September 20—were scrapped entirely. A planned deluxe album release was also postponed. As of September 23, D4vd had reportedly broken the lease on the Hollywood Hills home and vacated the property, though sources clarify he was not “fleeing” but relocating amid the scrutiny.

Family and Community Reaction

Rivas’ family, still based in Lake Elsinore, launched a GoFundMe on September 17 titled “Help Lay Celeste Rivas Hernandez to Rest,” raising funds for her funeral scheduled for October 5, 2025. In a statement, they wrote: “Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss… Celeste was a sweet child who deserves justice.” A vigil attended by over 75 people was held in Lake Elsinore on September 21, where attendees lit candles and shared memories of Rivas as a vibrant teen with dreams of becoming a model.

Online, the case has exploded on X and Reddit, with hashtags like #JusticeForCeleste trending. Posts range from calls for accountability to conspiracy theories about Hollywood cover-ups, amassing millions of views. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, which handled the initial missing persons reports, deferred to LAPD as the lead agency.

Current Status and Broader Implications

As of September 24, 2025, the investigation remains active, with forensics ongoing to determine the exact time and cause of death. LAPD is exploring Rivas’ movements post-disappearance, including potential ties to D4vd’s circle. No charges have been filed, and D4vd is not a named suspect. The case highlights vulnerabilities in missing persons reports for at-risk youth and has reignited discussions on celebrity accountability in the social media era.

This summary draws from verified reports across major outlets; the situation is fluid, and updates could emerge rapidly.