The discovery of a deceased individual in an impounded vehicle is inherently a somber event, yet the circumstances surrounding the identification of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas in a Tesla registered to the burgeoning music artist D4vd have elevated this incident to one of significant public interest and intense scrutiny. What began as a routine police response to a foul odor emanating from a car in a Hollywood tow yard has rapidly evolved into a complex death investigation, with authorities meticulously piecing together the timeline and events leading to this tragic outcome.
This case has captured national attention, not merely due to its grim nature, but also because of its tangential connection to a public figure. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division is at the forefront of this effort, navigating a labyrinth of details that include a missing persons report filed over a year ago, a severely decomposed body, and a popular musician whose life and career have been irrevocably intertwined with the grim discovery. The gravity of the situation underscores the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of profound tragedy and unanswered questions.
As investigators delve deeper, the narrative unfolds with a series of startling revelations that have only deepened the mystery rather than providing immediate clarity. The victim’s age, the manner of discovery, and the various connections that have surfaced all contribute to a portrait of a developing story that demands thorough and impartial reporting. This article aims to comprehensively detail the foundational facts and initial findings of this investigation, presenting a clear and objective account as established by law enforcement and public records.
1. **The Initial Discovery and Police Response**
The grim discovery of a decomposing female body occurred on September 8, two days after the Tesla in question had been towed from a Los Angeles street. Police sources indicated that the vehicle, found abandoned on a Hollywood street, had been at the impound lot for two days before the alarm was raised. This timeline suggests a critical period during which the body remained unnoticed, contributing to the advanced state of decomposition observed by authorities.
Police were initially dispatched to an impound lot in Hollywood on September 8 following reports of a “foul odor coming from a vehicle.” This olfactory alert was the first tangible sign of the tragedy contained within the Tesla, leading to the involvement of law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department described the response as occurring at an impound lot, an “official police garage,” in the 1000 block of North Mansfield Avenue, where the vehicle had been towed by the city Department of Transportation.
Authorities subsequently located a body inside a bag placed in the front trunk of the Tesla. The body was described as being in a “state of decomposition,” as reported by LAPD sources. The advanced state of decomposition complicated initial identification efforts and underscored the fact that the victim appeared to have been deceased for some time prior to the discovery, adding a significant layer of complexity to the nascent investigation.
Read more about: Joe Rogan’s Unconventional Alliance: Why Kimmel’s Suspension Was a Free Speech Test, Not a Left vs. Right Battle
2. **Identification of Celeste Rivas**
After a period of forensic investigation, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner officially identified the victim on Wednesday as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas. This crucial identification provided the first concrete answer in a case shrouded in uncertainty. Ms. Rivas, a teen from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, was reported missing approximately 18 months prior to the discovery of her remains, with her disappearance dating back to April 2024.
The identification process was reportedly aided by distinguishing physical characteristics. The medical examiner noted that the victim had a tattoo on her right index finger that read “Shhh…” This detail proved significant, as it was a key piece of information that allowed Ms. Rivas’s mother to recognize and confirm the identity of her daughter to news outlets after the information was made public. The mother subsequently contacted TMZ, expressing her belief that the body was her daughter’s.
The medical examiner’s office further detailed Ms. Rivas’s physical description, stating she was about 5-foot-1 with wavy black hair. Additional details included her being found wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and metal stud earrings. While her specific age at the time of death was determined to be 15, the initial reports suggested she was between 14 and 15 years old. The date of her death is listed as Sept. 8, 2025, which corresponds with the day her body was found, though the actual time of death is yet to be determined.
3. **Celeste Rivas’s Missing Person Status**
Celeste Rivas’s tragic end followed a prolonged period of her being reported missing. She was initially reported missing from Lake Elsinore on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 years old. Investigators confirmed to ABC News that Ms. Rivas hadn’t been heard from since her disappearance, indicating a significant duration of absence before her body was ultimately discovered in the Tesla. This detail highlights the agonizing period of uncertainty her family endured.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department had issued a bulletin when her mother first reported her missing, listing her date of birth as September 7, 2010, and referring to her as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This information clarifies her exact age and the details associated with her missing persons report, painting a picture of a young life that had been unaccounted for over an extended period.
Neighbors of Celeste Rivas in Lake Elsinore, while saying little due to their distress, expressed their profound sadness regarding the outcome. They reportedly thought she had simply run away, never anticipating such a devastating conclusion to her disappearance. One neighbor recounted that Celeste was “a good student, a happy child,” further emphasizing the shock and grief felt by those who knew her, particularly a son who grew up with her and was deeply upset by the news.
Read more about: Vehicles of Scrutiny: Unpacking the Controversies and Illusions Behind Public Persona and Perilous Rides
4. **The Tesla Registered to D4vd (David Anthony Burke)**The vehicle at the center of this grim discovery, a Tesla, was quickly linked to a prominent figure in the music industry. According to a senior LAPD source, the Tesla is registered to 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, who is professionally known as D4vd. This connection immediately drew significant public attention to the case, given D4vd’s rising profile and substantial online following.
The vehicle itself had a Texas license plate and was registered in Hempstead, Texas, to Burke. This detail is notable as Burke, born in Queens, New York, and raised in Houston, Texas, had recently relocated to Los Angeles for his career, though he had yet to purchase a permanent home. The car was found abandoned on a Hollywood street and had been impounded after being parked on a public street for more than 72 hours, according to the city Department of Transportation.
Sources also revealed that this particular Tesla is one of several vehicles owned by the musician. The senior LAPD source further stated that “many different people using any of the vehicles at any given time,” suggesting that the direct presence of D4vd in the vehicle at the time of its abandonment or the victim’s death is not definitively established through registration alone. This aspect adds a layer of complexity to understanding the vehicle’s role in the tragic events.
5. **The “Shhh…” Tattoo Connection**One of the most intriguing and potentially significant details to emerge in the investigation is the presence of a specific tattoo. Celeste Rivas was found to have a tattoo on her right index finger that read “Shhh…” This distinctive mark was a key factor in her identification, as her mother reportedly recognized this detail when it was released by authorities, leading her to contact TMZ.
Further reports from TMZ indicated a striking, albeit not entirely unique, coincidence: D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, also has the same “Shhh…” tattoo on his right index finger. While TMZ noted that the tattoo isn’t particularly rare, having been popularized by celebrities like Rihanna in 2008 and also sported by Lindsay Lohan and Lily Allen, its shared presence between the victim and the registered owner of the vehicle is undeniably a point of interest for investigators.
Celeste Rivas’s mother, in her conversations with TMZ, revealed additional information that has piqued investigative curiosity. She stated that her daughter had been dating someone named “David,” though she had never met the individual. This statement, combined with the matching tattoo, creates a compelling, albeit circumstantial, connection that authorities are undoubtedly exploring as part of their comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas’s death.
6. **D4vd’s Cooperation with Authorities**In the wake of the shocking discovery and the subsequent identification of Celeste Rivas, singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been actively cooperating with law enforcement. Multiple sources, including a representative for the singer and senior LAPD sources, have confirmed his willingness to assist in the ongoing investigation. This cooperation is a critical component as authorities work to establish facts and timelines.
Burke was reportedly on his “Withered” world tour at the time the body was discovered. Despite the demands of his professional commitments, his spokesperson has consistently affirmed his awareness of the situation and his full cooperation. For instance, a representative told NBC, “D4vd has been informed about what’s happened. And, although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.” His willingness to engage with detectives underscores a recognition of the gravity of the situation.
While Burke has been cooperating, it is crucial to note that the Los Angeles Police Department has not named him a person of interest or a suspect in this case. Investigators are reportedly reviewing photos of Rivas from 2024 to determine why she may have been in the area and any possible connection to Burke. This careful distinction emphasizes the ongoing nature of the investigation, focusing on evidence gathering rather than premature conclusions or accusations.
Read more about: Decomposition and Discovery: The Complex Investigation into a Body Found in a US Rapper’s Tesla
7. **The Ongoing Death Investigation by LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division**The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division has taken the lead in this complex death investigation. This assignment signals the seriousness and intricate nature of the case, as this division typically handles high-profile and challenging criminal inquiries. Their involvement indicates that authorities are treating the discovery with the utmost gravity and are prepared for a thorough and extensive investigation into the circumstances of Celeste Rivas’s death.
As of the latest reports, the cause of death for Celeste Rivas is still being determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The medical examiner’s office has listed the cause of death as “deferred,” a common designation when further examination, toxicology reports, and other forensic analyses are required, especially in cases involving severe decomposition. The examination is taking longer than usual due to the severely decomposed state of the remains, which presented significant challenges for forensic experts.
Authorities are awaiting the final word from the Medical Examiner to either officially move forward with this as a homicide case or pursue other avenues in their probe. However, initial statements from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which confirmed Ms. Rivas’s identification, did clarify that the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating this incident as a homicide. The LAPD remains the primary point of contact for any further details, highlighting the central role of their Robbery-Homicide Division in seeking justice for Celeste Rivas.
8. **Grim Details of the Crime Scene and Body Condition**The discovery within the Tesla’s front trunk revealed a scene of profound grimness, significantly complicating initial investigative efforts. Authorities located a body inside a bag, which later reports indicated contained dismembered remains, specifically a ‘head and torso.’ This detail, reported by police sources, underscores the severity of the incident and the challenges faced by forensic teams in processing the scene and identifying the victim.
Further insights into the state of the discovery highlighted that the body was wrapped in plastic and reportedly locked within the Tesla’s trunk. The vehicle, according to accounts, had been exposed to the California heat for at least five days, a factor contributing directly to the advanced state of decomposition observed by authorities. This prolonged exposure exacerbated the difficulties in determining precise forensic details, including the time and exact cause of death.
The medical examiner’s office provided a description of the victim, Celeste Rivas, noting she was approximately 5-foot-1 with wavy black hair. She was found wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and metal stud earrings. While initially reported as between 14 and 15 years old, her specific age at the time of death was confirmed as 15. The condition of the remains, including the description of her weight at around 71 pounds—roughly 20 pounds less than an average girl of her stature—suggested a period of struggle or neglect prior to her death, adding another layer to the tragic narrative.
Read more about: The Unseen Genius: How The Godfather’s Improvised Magic and Production Battles Forged Cinematic History
9. **The Tesla’s Abandonment and Towing History**The vehicle itself, a Tesla Model Y with Texas license plates registered to D4vd (David Anthony Burke), presented a curious pre-discovery timeline. Investigators revealed that the car had been abandoned on a Hollywood street and subsequently impounded after being parked on a public street for more than 72 hours, as per city Department of Transportation regulations. This initial period of abandonment on a public thoroughfare suggests a deliberate disengagement from the vehicle by its users.
Further reports from neighbors in the Hollywood Hills area where the Tesla was located provided additional context. Residents told Rolling Stone that the vehicle had been observed parked in the Hollywood Hills for nearly a month, and had been moved several times over the past three months before its final location on Bluebird Avenue. This pattern of intermittent relocation and prolonged abandonment suggests a conscious effort to avoid detection or perhaps a lack of consistent use by a single individual, aligning with the senior LAPD source’s statement that ‘many different people using any of the vehicles at any given time.’
The ultimate impoundment occurred after the car was found abandoned at Bluebird Avenue and Doheny Drive. It was towed to an ‘official police garage’ in the 1000 block of North Mansfield Avenue. It was at this impound lot, two days after the towing, that the ‘foul odor’ was reported by lot workers and neighbors, leading directly to the tragic discovery within its front trunk. This sequence of events — from prolonged abandonment to multiple relocations and eventual impoundment — forms a crucial part of the investigative timeline as authorities seek to understand the vehicle’s movements prior to the body’s discovery.
Read more about: Decomposition and Discovery: The Complex Investigation into a Body Found in a US Rapper’s Tesla
10. **D4vd’s Career Repercussions and Public Reaction**The linkage of the Tesla to David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, sent immediate shockwaves through his burgeoning music career, triggering significant public and professional repercussions. Within days of the grim discovery, major brands such as Crocs and Hollister, which had recently announced Burke as the face of their ‘Dream Drop’ collaboration, severed ties. Although the product images featuring Burke had already been released, his face was notably cropped out from all promotional materials, signaling a rapid disassociation in response to the unfolding tragedy.
The impact on D4vd’s ‘Withered’ world tour was equally swift and severe. Several scheduled performances were canceled in the immediate aftermath of the news. His Seattle show on Wednesday was canceled, followed by the cancellation of gigs in San Francisco at the Fillmore and in Los Angeles at the Greek Theatre. These cancellations, noted on ticketing websites, reflected a significant disruption to his professional engagements, demonstrating the tangible career fallout from the developing investigation and public scrutiny.
Beyond brand partnerships and tour dates, the wider music community also reacted. Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Kali Uchis, who collaborated with D4vd on the song ‘Crashing’ from his debut album, publicly distanced herself. Responding to an online comment that referred to D4vd as her ‘friend,’ Uchis clarified on social media: ‘Not my friend i did a song with him which is currently in the process of being taken down given today’s disturbing news.’ This statement highlighted the broader industry’s response to the gravity of the situation, even as a music video for ‘Crashing’ featuring the pair remained on YouTube. These incidents collectively underscore the immediate and far-reaching impact of the discovery on a rising artist’s public image and professional trajectory.
11. **Investigative Challenges Posed by Decomposition**The advanced state of decomposition of Celeste Rivas’s remains has presented substantial challenges to law enforcement and forensic pathologists, significantly impeding the rapid determination of crucial details. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has officially listed the cause of death as ‘deferred,’ a standard designation when comprehensive forensic analysis, including toxicology reports and further examinations, is necessary. This status indicates that a definitive conclusion regarding the manner and cause of death could not be reached immediately upon initial examination.
Forensic experts have conveyed that the examination process is taking longer than usual specifically due to the severely decomposed state of the remains. This condition complicates the detection of injuries, the presence of foreign substances, or other markers that would typically aid in establishing the circumstances leading to death. The prolonged period the body was believed to have been deceased inside the vehicle, possibly for an extended period, exacerbated these difficulties, making the task of reconstructing the events leading to her demise particularly intricate.
The challenges extend beyond merely identifying the cause of death; they also impact the ability to accurately determine the exact time of death. While the date of death is listed as September 8, 2025, corresponding with the day her body was found, the actual time of death remains elusive. This critical piece of information is vital for establishing a precise timeline of events and for corroborating witness statements or other evidence. The complexities introduced by the decomposition necessitate a meticulous and protracted forensic investigation, impacting the overall pace of the homicide inquiry.
Read more about: Decomposition and Discovery: The Complex Investigation into a Body Found in a US Rapper’s Tesla
12. **Search Warrant and Residence Connection**In a significant development reflecting the escalating nature of the investigation, Los Angeles Police Department investigators served a search warrant on Wednesday at a residence on Doheny Place. Broadcast reports, citing LAPD sources, confirmed that this particular residence was one where singer D4vd, David Anthony Burke, had been staying. This action indicates a more direct and invasive phase of the investigation, moving beyond mere cooperation from Burke to active evidence gathering at locations associated with him.
The execution of a search warrant typically implies that law enforcement has established probable cause to believe that evidence related to a crime is present at a specific location. While the nature of the evidence sought or recovered at the Doheny Place residence has not been publicly disclosed, the warrant underscores the thoroughness with which the Robbery-Homicide Division is pursuing all potential leads. It also highlights the investigative focus on locations tied to individuals connected to the case, even if they have not been named as suspects or persons of interest.
This development adds a new dimension to understanding Burke’s involvement, even as his representatives continue to affirm his cooperation. The LAPD’s decision to serve a search warrant signals a judicial endorsement of their investigative trajectory, granting them legal authority to collect specific items or information pertinent to Celeste Rivas’s death. It represents a concrete step in the ongoing effort to unravel the complex circumstances of her demise and to ascertain any connections between the victim, the vehicle, and the individuals associated with it.
Read more about: Decomposition and Discovery: The Complex Investigation into a Body Found in a US Rapper’s Tesla
13. **Unanswered Questions and Investigative Focus**Despite the sustained efforts of the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, many fundamental questions surrounding Celeste Rivas’s death remain unanswered, forming the core of the ongoing investigation. Chief among these is the precise manner in which she died and the circumstances that led her body to be found in the front trunk of the impounded Tesla. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed any information that definitively explains these critical aspects, leaving a void in the narrative of this tragic event.
Crucially, as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Celeste Rivas’s death, nor have any suspects or persons of interest been officially named by the police. This indicates that investigators are still in the process of gathering and analyzing evidence, refraining from premature conclusions or public accusations. The emphasis remains on a methodical collection of facts, relying heavily on forensic results and meticulous review of any available data.
Investigators are reportedly reviewing photos of Rivas from 2024 to determine why she may have been in the Los Angeles area and to ascertain any possible connection she might have had to David Anthony Burke. This line of inquiry suggests a focus on establishing a timeline of Rivas’s activities leading up to her disappearance and death, and to explore the nature of any relationships that might shed light on her tragic end. The LAPD’s commitment to an exhaustive investigation reflects the complexities inherent in cases involving missing persons and decomposed remains, as they strive to provide clarity and justice for Celeste Rivas.
Read more about: Rosa Roisinblit: A Century of Unyielding Truth-Seeking in Argentina’s Darkest Hour
14. **Broader Implications for D4vd’s Public Image and Music Career**The tragic discovery and its subsequent link to D4vd have cast a long shadow over his meticulously cultivated public image and rapidly ascending music career. His initial rise to prominence was fueled by viral success on TikTok, where he amassed 3.8 million followers, and the release of acclaimed indie, R&B, and alt-pop tracks like ‘Romantic Homicide,’ which garnered millions of Spotify streams. This carefully constructed persona, built on organic digital reach and artistic merit, now faces unprecedented scrutiny, jeopardizing his connection with a significant fanbase.
The situation has also brought into public discourse a leaked song titled ‘Celeste,’ posted on SoundCloud in 2023 and credited to D4vd. While the context or significance of this song in relation to the victim Celeste Rivas remains unconfirmed by authorities, its existence adds another layer of public curiosity and speculation that could further complicate Burke’s public perception. Such tangential connections, even if unproven, can be damaging in the court of public opinion, impacting artist-fan relationships and potentially influencing future opportunities.
Looking ahead, the future of D4vd’s remaining ‘Withered’ world tour dates, including a rescheduled performance in Los Angeles at the Greek Theatre and a sold-out show at the Grammy Museum, remains uncertain. While his representatives affirm cooperation with police, the cancellations and public reactions suggest a significant pause and re-evaluation of his professional trajectory. The contrast between his swift career takeoff, opening for SZA and performing at Coachella, and the current precariousness underscores the profound and multifaceted implications of this tragic event on an artist whose career was just reaching its zenith.
Read more about: Vehicles of Scrutiny: Unpacking the Controversies and Illusions Behind Public Persona and Perilous Rides
15. **The Mother’s Statements and Search for Justice**Central to the human tragedy unfolding in this case are the anguished statements of Celeste Rivas’s mother, which have provided poignant, albeit unconfirmed, insights into her daughter’s life and the family’s prolonged suffering. In conversations with TMZ, Ms. Rivas’s mother revealed that her daughter had been dating someone named ‘David,’ though she had never met the individual. This detail, combined with the striking coincidence of the shared ‘Shhh…’ tattoo with David Anthony Burke, has added a layer of personal context to the investigative puzzle that authorities are undoubtedly examining.
The mother’s decision to contact news outlets, expressing her belief that the body identified was indeed her daughter’s, underscores the agonizing period of uncertainty her family endured for nearly 18 months since Celeste was reported missing in April 2024. Her suspicions and distress are palpable, reflecting the profound grief and a desperate need for answers that permeate the family’s experience. This personal testimony, while not direct evidence for the investigation, provides a powerful human dimension to the grim facts of the case.
Neighbors in Lake Elsinore, where Celeste grew up, also expressed their profound sadness and shock. They initially believed she had simply run away, never anticipating such a devastating conclusion. One neighbor recounted that Celeste was ‘a good student, a happy child,’ further emphasizing the community’s grief and the shattering impact of the news, particularly on those who knew her well. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division, by investigating this incident as a homicide, has affirmed its commitment to meticulously pursuing justice for Celeste Rivas, striving to bring clarity and accountability to a case that has left a family and a community reeling.
Read more about: Fact vs. Fiction: The Charlie Kirk Assassination, Media Ethics, and LGBTQ+ Misinformation
The discovery of Celeste Rivas’s body in a Tesla registered to D4vd has unfurled a deeply complex and unsettling narrative that extends far beyond the initial grim finding. As the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division continues its meticulous investigation, piecing together forensic evidence, timelines, and personal connections, the search for truth and accountability remains paramount. The case stands as a stark reminder of the fragile line between public life and private tragedy, leaving indelible questions that demand diligent pursuit of justice for Celeste Rivas and her grieving family.
