The shocking case involving the discovery of a teenage girl’s body inside a vehicle registered to the popular singer D4vd (real name D4vd, born David Anthony Burke) has attracted widespread attention — yet, as of now, no homicide charges have been filed. On September 8, 2025, the body of a 15-year-old girl, identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found in the front trunk (“frunk”) of a Tesla registered to D4vd in Los Angeles.

While the case is under investigation, authorities have been clear: they have not yet determined the cause or manner of death, and they have not charged anyone in connection with the girl’s death beyond the possibility of body‐concealment. In this investigative article, we’ll examine the timeline, the state of the investigation, public and media reactions, what wedo know (and don’t), and why homicide charges may (or may not) be imminent.

Timeline of Key Events

April 5, 2024: Celeste Rivas Hernandez is reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California.

August / September 2025: The Tesla registered to D4vd is reported to have been parked in the Hollywood Hills area, apparently abandoned and cited for overstaying a parking limit. Neighbors reported noticing a foul odor.

September 3, 2025: The Tesla is ticketed for violating a 72-hour parking rule.

September 5, 2025: The car is towed to an impound lot in Los Angeles.

September 8, 2025: Police respond to a foul odor coming from the impound lot and discover a severely decomposed body in a bag inside the front trunk of the Tesla.

September 16–17, 2025: The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identifies the body as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 15.

September / October 2025: The home in Hollywood Hills where D4vd was staying is searched under warrant; the investigation remains ongoing.

Present: No suspect has been publicly named; D4vd has not been charged. Authorities say they are still determining the cause and manner of death

What the Investigation Currently Says

Cause & manner of death still undetermined

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report for Celeste lists the “manner of death” as deferred and the cause as undetermined. Because of this, the case remains a “death investigation” rather than a formally declared homicide. Investigators have stated that no criminal culpability is currently established beyond concealment of a body.

No charges filed at this stage

Despite the gravity of the discovery, law enforcement has not named a suspect or filed charges connected to the death. D4vd is cooperating with investigators, but the absence of charging suggests that either the evidence is not yet sufficient, or that the state of decomposition and unclear cause complicate matters.

Vehicle ownership and proximity

The Tesla was registered to D4vd. Neighbors reported that the car sat abandoned for weeks in the Hollywood Hills, and it was impounded after violating parking rules. Reportedly, D4vd was on tour and not in Los Angeles when the body was discovered, though the exact whereabouts when the car was parked remain subject to investigation.

Search warrant executed

A search warrant was executed at a Hollywood Hills residence where D4vd had been staying. Seized evidence reportedly included electronics. However, that alone does not indicate culpability—it is standard procedure in such investigations.

Why Homicide Charges Are Not Yet Filed (And What That Suggests)

There are several reasons why homicide charges may be delayed or even not brought. Understanding these helps clarify where this case stands.

Unclear cause/manner of death

Because the medical examiner has yet to determine how Celeste died—whether by foul play, accident, suicide, or other means—the prosecution cannot yet confidently charge a homicide. In many jurisdictions, proving murder requires establishing beyond reasonable doubt not just death, but culpability, intent, and cause. Here, the cause of death is still under review.

Decomposition complicates evidence

The body was “severely decomposed” and allegedly in the vehicle for “an extended period of time.” Decomposition can destroy or obscure forensic evidence (such as time of death, manner, trauma markers), making it significantly harder to build a case.

Chain of custody, vehicle involvement, and suspect identification

While the Tesla was registered to D4vd, the investigation must determine who drove or used the car at relevant times, how the body came to be there, and whether any criminal act occurred. Ownership alone does not equate to guilt. The vehicle being towed for simple parking infractions and then the body found days later raises many unanswered questions: when was the body placed there? Who had access to the car? Did the death occur elsewhere, and the body was placed in the car later? These need clarification.

Public / media pressure vs. legal standard of proof

The case has generated major media attention and speculation. But prosecutors must operate on evidence and legal standards, not on public opinion. Jumping to homicide charges without a clear evidentiary foundation risks losing a case or being dismissed.

Possible alternative explanations

Law enforcement has not ruled out other causes of death—natural causes, overdose, suicide or accident remain on the table. Until those possibilities are excluded, charging murder becomes risky for the prosecution. Reddit forums and informal commentary reflect that uncertainty:

The medical examiner’s report will be key … it’s possible her death may have resulted from overdose, natural causes, suicide etc.”

Public & Industry Impact

The discovery has had significant consequences:

D4vd cancelled the remaining U.S. dates of his “Withered” tour shortly after the identification of the body.

Several brands and collaborators—such as Crocs, Hollister, and singer Kali Uchis—have cut ties or suspended promotion with D4vd.

Social media and fan forums are rife with speculation about the tattoos, location of the vehicle, relationship between Celeste and D4vd. (For example, reports of matching “Shhh” tattoos.)

The public response highlights both concern for the victim and frustration at the lack of visible progress or charges. But again, public sentiment does not determine legal action; evidence does.

Why the Phrase “No Homicide Charges” Matters

The headline “No Homicide Charges…” is accurate for now, but the qualifier is important: for now. The investigation remains open. What that phrase signals:

There is no active murder charge at present.

The case could evolve—if new evidence emerges, prosecutors may bring homicide or other charges.

Using the phrase underscores that the investigation is ongoing, and that many fundamental questions remain unanswered.

It is also a reminder of how delicate the threshold is between a suspicious death and a criminal prosecution. Even high-profile cases can remain in limbo if causation, culpability, or evidence are lacking.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

What is the precise cause of death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

When and how did her body come to be in the Tesla’s front trunk?

Who had access to the vehicle during the relevant timeframe?

What is D4vd’s role (if any) beyond registered ownership of the car?

Are there any digital, forensic, or eyewitness ties that link the car, the victim, and potential suspects?

Ultimately: will this evolve into a homicide prosecution, or will it remain a “death investigation” without charges?

Conclusion

The discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body in a Tesla registered to D4vd is a harrowing event and is rightfully subject to intense scrutiny. Yet, the absence of homicide charges at this stage is not an indication of negligence by law enforcement—it reflects the complexity of the case. With the cause and manner of death undetermined, key forensic hurdles, and a need for clear, admissible evidence of criminal culpability, investigators and prosecutors are proceeding with caution.

In short: while the headline “No Homicide Charges…” may feel underwhelming against the backdrop of a fatal discovery, it underscores the principle that the legal system prioritises proof over speculation. Whether this case ultimately leads to murder charges or remains unresolved will hinge on what the evidence reveals in the coming weeks and months.