In a deeply disturbing turn, new reports suggest that singer D4vd (born David Anthony Burke) is being viewed as a suspect in the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in the front trunk (“frunk”) of his Tesla. According to law enforcement sources, Celeste likely died in the spring of 2025 — raising serious questions about how her death went undetected for so long.

The Discovery

On September 8, 2025, workers at a Hollywood tow yard reported a foul odor coming from a black Tesla, which later turned out to be registered to D4vd. When authorities opened the frunk, they found a severely decomposed body inside a bag. Forensic identification confirmed the remains belonged to Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenager reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California.

Why Investigators Now Consider D4vd a Suspect

Timing of Death

According to LAPD sources, Celeste most likely died in the spring of 2025, rather than shortly before her body was found.

Investigators believe she was already deceased for several weeks before the car was towed and the body discovered.

Suspicious Circumstances Around the Tesla

The Tesla was reportedly parked in the Hollywood Hills for more than a month before it was impounded.

Police ticketed the car on September 3, then impounded it just two days later.

A search warrant was executed at a Hollywood Hills residence associated with D4vd, during which investigators seized computers and other items.

Non-cooperation Alleged

According to NBC4, law enforcement sources claim that D4vd hasnot been fully cooperative with the investigation.

Some insiders allege he may have had help dismembering and placing the body in the car.

Unclear Cause of Death

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the determination of the cause and manner of death, a process that could take months.

Without conclusive toxicology or a definitive autopsy result, investigators are focusing on how the body was concealed — not just how she died.

Victim Profile: Who Was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

Celeste was first reported missing on April 5, 2024, when she was just 13 years old.

She had reportedly run away or disappeared multiple times in 2024.

Her body was identified via dental records, according to the medical examiner.

At the time of her disappearance and death, she was known to have had a relationship (or at least an acquaintance) with D4vd, though the nature of their connection remains murky.

Intriguingly, she reportedly had a “Shhh” tattoo on her right index finger, which has fueled speculation given that D4vd is said to have the same tattoo.

Fallout for D4vd

Shortly after the discovery, D4vd canceled the remaining dates on his U.S. tour.

His public image is now under severe scrutiny: fans, media, and industry insiders are all watching closely as the investigation unfolds.

While he has not been formally charged — sources say he is being “viewed” as a suspect — the label and his management are likely watching the situation anxiously.
The legal outcome remains uncertain; without a confirmed cause of death, the question is not only whether charges will be filed, but what charges those would be (e.g., homicide, body concealment).

Unanswered Questions & Risks Ahead

What exactly happened in the spring?Authorities are trying to piece together where Celeste was during that period, who she saw, and whether D4vd’s movements align with her disappearance.

Who else might be implicated?If multiple people helped with dismemberment or concealment, the investigation could widen beyond just D4vd.

Will forensic evidence emerge?Key to the case will be toxicology, digital forensics (phone/computer), and possibly DNA or blood evidence from the search of his residence.

Can the case go to trial?Even if D4vd is charged, prosecutors will need strong forensic and testimonial evidence to secure a conviction — especially with questions still hanging over how she died.

Public reaction and career impactNo matter the legal outcome, the reputational damage could be severe. For a young artist whose fanbase is growing, this could be a pivot point — possibly career-defining in a negative way.

Analysis: Why This Is So Explosive

This isn’t just a tragic death — it’s a nightmare scenario with a celebrity at the center. Several factors make this case especially volatile:

Youth & Vulnerability: Celeste was just 13 when she went missing; the power dynamics (celebrity vs. teenager) raise serious ethical concerns.

Secrecy: The idea that she may have died months before being discovered suggests a chilling level of concealment.

Public Persona: D4vd’s music already deals with dark themes (“Romantic Homicide,” etc.), and this case paints a frightening real-world parallel.

Unclear Accountability: With the cause of death deferred, it’s not just the “if” of prosecution, but the “how” — whether this becomes a high-profile criminal case or stalls.