When the decomposed body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was found stuffed in the front trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025, no one expected the case to become a national mystery — but few anticipated it would hinge on a missing cause of death. The car, registered to 20-year-old pop singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, had been abandoned for two days before a tow truck driver noticed the stench. What followed wasn’t just a homicide investigation — it became a chilling puzzle with no clear answers, and a suspect who hasn’t spoken a word to police.
How a Missing Teen Led to a Hollywood Tow Yard
Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was last heard from at the end of May 2024. The Lake Elsinore, California, teen had a history of running away — she’d returned home before, but this time, she didn’t. Her family didn’t report her missing until weeks later, and by the time authorities began searching, the trail had gone cold. Her disappearance went unnoticed by most, until a foul odor drew attention to a black Tesla parked at the Hollywood tow lot.LAPD officers didn’t know what they’d find when they opened the trunk. Inside, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, was Celeste’s body — so badly decomposed that identifying her required dental records. The car’s GPS showed it had been driven from the Houston area to Los Angeles over the course of several weeks. The timing? Coinciding with D4vd’s tour schedule. He was scheduled to perform in LA on September 20, 2025. He canceled everything on September 15.
Why D4vd Is a Suspect — Even Without a Cause of Death
Here’s the thing: the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office still hasn’t determined whether Celeste was murdered, died accidentally, or took her own life. The body was too far gone for toxicology, trauma analysis, or even a clear timeline of death. But investigators say they’re certain of one thing — this wasn’t an accident.
"They’re certain they’re going down the right path for a suspect," one source told ABC News on November 18, 2025. And that suspect is D4vd. Despite public statements from his PR team claiming "full cooperation," insiders say he’s refused to speak to detectives, declined to submit to questioning, and has taken steps to distance himself from the investigation.
On September 23, 2025, court records show he transferred ownership of his Cypress, Texas, home to his mother. Around the same time, detectives executed a search warrant at his former Hollywood Hills rental, seizing a computer and other digital devices. The lease was terminated early. The place was cleaned out — too quickly, investigators say.
The Public Narrative vs. The Investigation
On November 11, 2025, YouTube reporter Ceddy Nash claimed LAPD confirmed "no homicide charges will be filed" because the medical examiner hadn’t ruled a cause of death. That report went viral — and it was technically true. But it was also misleading.
"There is currently no crime other than concealment of a body," LAPD told Nash. That’s not the same as saying no crime occurred. Concealment of a body is itself a felony in California — punishable by up to three years in prison. And if the medical examiner eventually rules it a homicide? That changes everything.
"The exact cause of Rivas-Hernandez’s death is still undetermined," an investigator told ABC News. "But we believe it was a murder that occurred earlier this year. A step like that — confirming manner of death — will be critical in making an arrest. We’re waiting on that report. It could come any day."
Meanwhile, D4vd’s career has imploded. Once a TikTok sensation with over 33 million monthly Spotify listeners, he released his debut album in February 2025 to rave reviews. Songs like "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide" — the latter now chillingly ironic — propelled him into mainstream fame. But since September, his social media has gone silent. No new music. No interviews. No public appearances.
What’s Next? The Medical Examiner’s Decision Could Change Everything
The case is now in a holding pattern. Without a cause or manner of death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office won’t consider homicide charges. But that doesn’t mean the investigation is over. In fact, it’s more active than ever.
Investigators are analyzing cell tower data, surveillance footage from gas stations and highways between Texas and LA, and digital footprints from D4vd’s devices. They’re also re-interviewing people who saw him in the weeks before Celeste disappeared — including a Lyft driver who picked him up near Lake Elsinore on April 27, 2024, just days after Celeste vanished.
"We’re not chasing a celebrity," said one detective familiar with the case. "We’re chasing a timeline. And the timeline says this kid was alive in April. And then she wasn’t. And then, six months later, her body was in a car owned by a guy who was on tour — and who vanished right when we started asking questions."
Why This Case Matters Beyond the Headlines
Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was one of thousands of missing teens each year in California — many of whom disappear without fanfare. But this case is different. It’s not just about a dead girl in a car. It’s about how fame can shield people from accountability. It’s about how quickly society moves on from missing children — unless their story becomes a viral sensation.
And it’s about the system. The medical examiner’s office is overwhelmed. In 2024, LA County had over 1,200 pending autopsies. Delays of six to nine months are common. Celeste’s case isn’t unusual in that regard — but the public scrutiny makes it feel like it should be.
Her family still hasn’t held a funeral. They’re waiting for answers. For justice. For a cause of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t anyone been charged if D4vd is a suspect?
No charges have been filed because the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner hasn’t determined the cause or manner of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez’s death. Without that, prosecutors can’t prove homicide, even if evidence points to D4vd. Concealment of a body is the only current chargeable offense, but it’s not a homicide. Investigators are waiting on forensic results that could come within weeks.
What’s the significance of D4vd transferring his home to his mother?
Transferring property during an active investigation can be seen as an attempt to shield assets from potential seizure or civil forfeiture. While not illegal on its own, it’s a red flag for investigators looking for patterns of behavior — especially when paired with refusing to cooperate, canceling a tour, and abruptly moving out of a rented home. It suggests awareness of potential legal exposure.
Could Celeste have died naturally and D4vd just hid the body?
It’s possible, but unlikely based on current evidence. Investigators believe the body was moved intentionally, wrapped tightly, and stored for months — actions inconsistent with accidental death. The lack of signs of natural causes in the limited forensic data, combined with D4vd’s behavior, makes a deliberate cover-up the leading theory. The medical examiner’s final report will clarify whether trauma or illness was involved.
How did D4vd’s music career influence the investigation?
His fame drew intense public and media attention, which pressured law enforcement to act faster — but also created distractions. His team released misleading statements about cooperation, forcing investigators to clarify the record. His music, particularly "Romantic Homicide," has been scrutinized for potential thematic links to the case, though prosecutors say lyrics alone can’t prove guilt. The attention, however, has accelerated digital evidence collection.
What happens if the medical examiner rules it an accident or suicide?
Even if the death is ruled non-homicidal, D4vd could still face charges for concealment of a body, tampering with evidence, or failure to report a death. California law requires anyone who discovers a body to notify authorities — and if investigators prove he knew Celeste was dead and moved the body to avoid detection, that’s a felony. The lack of a homicide ruling doesn’t mean he’s in the clear.
Is there a timeline for when the medical examiner’s report will be released?
No official deadline exists, but sources close to the case say the final report is nearing completion and could be issued within the next 30 days. The delay is due to the complexity of decomposition analysis and the need to cross-reference DNA, trace evidence, and digital timelines. Once released, it will be the key that unlocks whether charges are filed — or if the case goes cold.
