What happened?
Authorities in Los Angeles have identified the decomposed body discovered in an abandoned Tesla registered to singer D4vd as that of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a missing teen who had not been seen since May 4, 2024.
The grim discovery was made on Sept. 8 at a Hollywood tow yard after staff reported a foul odor coming from the impounded Tesla. Police later confirmed the vehicle belonged to the 20-year-old artist, born David Anthony Burke, best known for his viral hits “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.”
Who was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
Celeste was born on Sept. 7, 2010, and had just turned 13 years old. She was last seen alive on May 4, 2024, before being reported missing. According to police, she was 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighed about 120 pounds, and had dark brown hair and brown eyes.
When found, her body was badly decomposed and wrapped in plastic inside the Tesla’s front trunk. She was wearing a tube top, black leggings, stud earrings, and a yellow bracelet. A tattoo on her right index finger read “Shhh…” Authorities believe her remains had been inside the vehicle for several days in the California heat.
The investigation
The Los Angeles County medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death, but law enforcement has described the circumstances as suspicious. Authorities are investigating how Celeste’s body ended up in the vehicle and who may have been responsible.
Singer D4vd has not been named a suspect. His representatives confirmed he was notified of the discovery and is cooperating with police while continuing his world tour.
Other developments
In a separate but unrelated case, police said another body was found the following day in the trunk of a Honda at a tow yard in South Los Angeles. That investigation is ongoing.
Forensic testing and interviews with anyone connected to the impounded Tesla remain central to the investigation into Celeste’s death.
