Authorities have officially confirmed that the body found inside a Tesla registered to singer d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) is that of Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old girl who had been missing from Lake Elsinore, California since April 2024. As the investigation intensifies, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home connected to the singer, though no arrests have been made.
What We Know So Far
On September 8, 2025, a decomposing body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla that had been impounded in Hollywood. The car, abandoned and towed after emitting a foul odor, was registered to d4vd.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office confirmed the remains are those of Celeste Rivas, 15 years old, last seen in April 2024 when she was just 13.
Rivas’ body was discovered wrapped in a bag; the condition was severely decomposed. Her physical description: about 5-foot-2, wavy black hair, wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and metal stud earrings. A tattoo on her right index finger reading “Shhh…” was noted.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the investigation. The case is being treated as a death investigation, and the cause of death is currently deferred, pending further forensic work.
Overnight, law enforcement executed a search at a Hollywood Hills residence where d4vd had been staying (though he does not own the property). Evidence—including computers and other items—were seized during the warrant execution.
Singer d4vd’s Involvement and Public Response
d4vd, age 20, is known for his indie, alt-pop, and R&B music style. He gained popularity through viral success on platforms like TikTok, with songs like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide”.
His representatives have stated that he is fully cooperating with authorities, despite being on tour at the time of the discovery. His show in Seattle was canceled following the revelation of Celeste Rivas’ identity.
There is no official confirmation that d4vd is a suspect; investigators have not filed charges yet. The identification of the body, the timeline of events, and how Rivas ended up in the vehicle are still under investigation.
Key Questions and Next Steps
Issue What’s Unclear / Under Investigation
Cause and manner of death Medical examiner has deferred cause; no official ruling yet.
How the body got into the Tesla Vehicle owner is d4vd; people may have used his vehicles. Investigators are following leads.
Timeline The car had been abandoned in Hollywood Hills for some time, towed, impounded, and then the body discovered. Time delay complicates investigation.
Legal outcomes No charges as yet; search warrants and evidence gathering ongoing.
Why This Case Is Drawing Widespread Attention
The fact that the body was found in a car linked to a public figure with a large following has accelerated public interest and media scrutiny.
Matching tattoos, the victim’s disappearance as a minor, and the manner of discovery (abandoned, impounded car) all raise serious questions in the public mind.
The music industry and brands are closely watching how associations and collaborations shift in response to cases involving public figures and legal investigations.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of Celeste Rivas in the Tesla linked to d4vd has opened a complex and sensitive investigation. While identification offers some answers, many critical questions remain unanswered: how and when she died, what led to her body being found in that vehicle, and whether any legal culpability lies with the singer or others. As authorities continue to probe every lead, the public waits for transparency, justice, and accountability.
