Tragic Discovery: The Case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and D4vd
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in an abandoned Tesla owned by the singer and TikTok star known as D4vd. The medical examiner concluded that the teen died from multiple penetrating injuries caused by an object or objects. Celeste's decomposed remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the Tesla, which had been parked in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood near a rental property where Burke had been living. The Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Odey Ukpo, expressed gratitude that the information could finally be released to the public and the family after months of waiting.
The cause and manner of Celeste's death were determined to be homicide on December 9, following a court order that placed a security hold on information related to the case in November. D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested in connection with the investigation and charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, and he was scheduled to appear in court again.
Celeste's family expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their efforts in the case. The girl, who went missing in 2024 in Lake Elsinore, was identified through forensics. Her body was discovered in the Tesla after workers at Hollywood Tow reported a strong odor emanating from the vehicle. The Tesla had been impounded by LA parking enforcement officers after being reported as abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
D4vd, a singer-songwriter who gained fame on TikTok, was on a world tour at the time of the discovery of Celeste's remains. He had not been publicly identified as a suspect in the teen's death, but law enforcement sources indicated that he was the focus of the investigation. The ongoing investigation suggested that more than one person may have been involved in Celeste's death and the disposal of her body. D4vd's rise to fame on TikTok led to record deals with Darkroom and Interscope Records, and he released his debut album "Withered" in April 2025.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has brought attention to the case involving D4vd, who has been charged in connection with her murder. The investigation continues to uncover details surrounding the circumstances of her death, and the legal proceedings are ongoing. The family of Celeste expressed their appreciation for the efforts of law enforcement in seeking justice for their daughter.