Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 15, of Lake Elsinore, California, was identified after remains were found on Sept. 8, 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla impounded in the Hollywood Hills. The vehicle was traced to singer David Anthony Burke (d4vd), who law enforcement sources later named as a suspect; no arrests have been made and the cause of death has not been released. Rivas had been reported missing multiple times in 2024, and investigators say she may have been dead for weeks before discovery. The LAPD executed a search warrant in mid-September and recovered items now under analysis as the probe continues.
Who Was Celeste Rivas Hernandez? 15-Year-Old Found in Impounded Tesla Linked to Singer d4vd
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 15, of Lake Elsinore, California, was identified after remains were found on Sept. 8, 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla impounded in the Hollywood Hills. The vehicle was traced to singer David Anthony Burke (d4vd), who law enforcement sources later named as a suspect; no arrests have been made and the cause of death has not been released. Rivas had been reported missing multiple times in 2024, and investigators say she may have been dead for weeks before discovery. The LAPD executed a search warrant in mid-September and recovered items now under analysis as the probe continues.
06:32 AM, 11/20/2025Society
Overview
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 15-year-old from Lake Elsinore, California, was identified after human remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla impounded in the Hollywood Hills on Sept. 8, 2025. The vehicle was later traced to singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd. Authorities say the body may have been in the vehicle for weeks before it was located; the official cause of death has not been released.
Timeline and missing-person history
Rivas had been reported missing multiple times in 2024. According to family accounts, she first ran away from home on Valentine’s Day 2024 and returned days later. She was reported missing again on March 19, 2024, and once more on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 and in seventh grade. Family members say they met with police, reviewed neighborhood surveillance footage and reached out to friends and neighbors while searching for her. They reported a final contact in May 2024 and said they had not heard from her since.
Discovery and identification
Impound-lot personnel reported a foul odor from the parked Tesla, prompting police to open the vehicle. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the remains were Rivas and listed her date of death as Sept. 8, 2025. Her family launched an online fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and described her as a "beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend." Neighbors and local shopkeepers expressed shock and grief over the loss.
Investigation status
Law enforcement linked the impounded Tesla to Burke through vehicle registration records. In mid-September, investigators obtained a search warrant for a residence associated with Burke and reported recovering items that would be analyzed by detectives. On Nov. 18, multiple law enforcement sources told outlets that Burke has been identified as a suspect in connection with Rivas' death; no arrests have been announced and the LAPD has not publicly disclosed details about the investigation's scope or the manner of death. Officials emphasize the investigation is ongoing.
Other details
Rivas’ mother said her daughter once mentioned dating someone named David; the mother said she had never met him. Family members confirmed Rivas had a small tattoo reading "Shhh..." on her right index finger. Observers noted that the singer d4vd has a similar-style "Shhh" tattoo on his right index finger in photos. Neither Burke nor law enforcement has publicly commented about the tattoo similarity.
What remains unknown
Authorities have not released the cause or manner of death, the full timeline of Rivas’ movements in the weeks before she disappeared, or specific details tying any individual to the death. The investigation continues and officials say they are following multiple leads.