Authorities have confirmed the identity of a decomposed body found in the trunk of a singer’s car, identifying the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been reported missing for over a year. The tragic discovery was made earlier this month when employees at a towing yard in Hollywood noticed a foul odor emanating from a vehicle, prompting them to contact law enforcement. Upon arrival, officers uncovered the wrapped remains in the trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, known professionally as David.
Investigators believe the body was placed in the trunk approximately five days before the car was towed to the impound lot after being reported missing. While police have not publicly named David as a suspect or person of interest, his representatives assert that he is fully cooperating with the investigation. This development has raised numerous questions regarding the circumstances surrounding Rivas’s disappearance and her connection to the singer.
Celeste Rivas was last seen on April 5, 2024, in Lake Elsinore, California, when she was just 13 years old. Her mother expressed concern upon seeing news of the body found in David’s vehicle, particularly because her daughter’s boyfriend also shares the name David. Rivas had distinctive features, including wavy hair, a tattoo on her right index finger with the letters “sh,” and was found wearing a tube top and black leggings.
Intriguingly, David also has a tattoo featuring the same letters, though this coincidence does not establish any direct link to the crime. Speculation has arisen due to David’s past lyrics, including lines that some fans have interpreted as ominous or suggestive of foul play. Furthermore, an unreleased song, allegedly written about a girl named Celeste, has added another layer of intrigue to the case, as it includes lyrics expressing affection and longing.
The investigation has prompted companies like Crocs and Hollister to halt marketing campaigns featuring David while authorities continue to gather evidence. Reports indicate that police have searched a home near where the Tesla was abandoned, seizing computers and other items. Although the singer has not been directly implicated, the proximity of the car to his residence and the timeline of events have fueled public intrigue.
Former FBI agent Colin Schmidt remarked on the significant role technology plays in modern investigations. The Tesla’s onboard computer could provide valuable data regarding the vehicle’s movements leading up to the discovery of the body. Investigators will also focus on Celeste’s phone, which could reveal her social circle and any potential leads related to her disappearance.
As of now, the cause of death remains undetermined, and LAPD is treating the case as a homicide. Investigators are meticulously piecing together the timeline and gathering forensic evidence to uncover the truth about what happened to Celeste. While David has not been named a suspect, the investigation continues to evolve, leaving many unanswered questions about this tragic case. The community and Rivas’s family await more information, hoping for clarity and justice in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.