A Los Angeles court has sealed records related to the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of singer D4vd’s Tesla in September, with police now officially characterizing the case as a murder investigation. The move aims to protect the integrity of the ongoing probe into the gruesome discovery that has captivated public attention and disrupted the rising star’s career.
The grim finding occurred on September 8, 2025, when Los Angeles police responded to reports of a foul odor at a Hollywood tow yard and uncovered the teen’s remains in a black bag inside the impounded Tesla. The car, registered to the viral hitmaker D4vd, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for weeks before being towed. Authorities identified the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernandez from Lake Elsinore, who had been missing since April 2024. Her body was severely decomposed, indicating she had been dead for several weeks, and she was wearing a tube top, black leggings, and jewelry, including a tattoo that read ‘Shhh…’ on her index finger, nearly identical to one on D4vd’s own finger.
Celeste’s disappearance was part of a pattern; she had run away from home multiple times, and her family had reported her missing on several occasions in 2024. Neighbors described her as a frequent visitor to local stores, and her family, immigrants from El Salvador, expressed profound grief, describing her as a beloved daughter and sister. A crowdfunding campaign helped cover funeral expenses, and her service took place in October. The case has drawn significant scrutiny due to the involvement of a prominent music figure and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.
The investigation, led by the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division, has intensified, with detectives now explicitly referring to it as a murder probe. In a court declaration, Detective Joshua Byers argued that releasing autopsy details could compromise the investigation and endanger witnesses. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Richman granted the request to seal the records, including the cause and manner of death, which the medical examiner’s office had yet to determine publicly. This marks a shift from earlier stages where police declined to classify the death as a homicide.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, under Chief Dr. Odey Ukpo, has challenged the secrecy order, stating that such holds are rare in other counties and unproven to aid investigations. Dr. Ukpo emphasized the office’s commitment to transparency but acknowledged being bound by the court order. The LAPD maintains that the seal is necessary to ensure investigators receive information before the public, with Captain Mike Bland noting it helps in the pursuit of justice. The medical examiner’s office had previously denied an earlier request for a security hold due to insufficient justification.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was on a national tour when the body was discovered and has not publicly commented on the case, though his representatives say he is cooperating with police. His career has suffered significantly; his world tour was canceled, Sony Music Publishing suspended promotion of his album, and brands like Hollister and Crocs dropped him from campaigns. Additionally, LAPD detectives searched the Hollywood Hills mansion where he lived, seizing electronic evidence and other items. Law enforcement sources indicate Celeste had resided at the rental home and met D4vd online, with the singer’s music videos featuring dark themes coming under scrutiny.
Investigators believe more than one person may have been involved in disposing of the body, and the girl might have been dead since the spring. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton assured that ‘accountability is coming’ and that no one, including D4vd, is off the table as a suspect. The case underscores the challenges of balancing transparency and investigative needs in high-profile crimes, with the community and family awaiting answers. As the probe continues, the focus remains on achieving justice for Celeste while navigating the complexities of celebrity involvement and legal procedures.
