The investigation into the tragic death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken a disturbing turn, with her remains discovered in a Tesla linked to singer David D4VD, born David Anthony Burke. Celeste, who had been missing since April 2024, was found dismembered inside a vehicle that had reportedly been abandoned for several days in the Hollywood Hills. As investigators delve deeper into the case, new revelations are emerging that raise serious questions about the nature of the relationship between the teenager and the rising pop star.
On September 8, LAPD officers were alerted to a foul odor emanating from the Tesla, identified as a Cyber Truck with Texas plates registered to D4VD. Upon inspection, they discovered the dismembered remains of a young girl, which were later confirmed to be Celeste’s by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The condition of the remains suggested that they had been in the vehicle for an extended period, complicating the investigation into the cause of death, which remains deferred.
Celeste had recently turned 15, a milestone overshadowed by her tragic fate. Her family described her as a beloved daughter and sister, and her brother revealed she had gone missing after leaving home to see a movie with D4VD. Notably, both Celeste and D4VD had nearly identical tattoos, which has fueled speculation about their connection. Eyewitness accounts and online messages suggest she was involved with D4VD for some time, with rumors circulating about their relationship since she was just 13.
The fallout from this case has been swift for D4VD, whose upcoming tour dates in the U.S. and Europe have been canceled, alongside promotional activities for his music. His record label, Interscope, announced that all promotions for his work, including an anticipated deluxe album release, would be paused. D4VD, who had recently partnered with brands like Hollister and Crocs, has been scrubbed from marketing materials in light of the investigation.
As law enforcement continues to gather evidence, they executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home where D4VD was staying. Investigators seized various electronic items, indicating a focus on potential digital evidence that could shed light on the timeline of events leading up to Celeste’s disappearance. The ongoing scrutiny of D4VD’s social media interactions, particularly with Celeste, has revealed a concerning digital footprint that investigators are likely analyzing closely.
A retired detective, Matthew Irvine, noted that the decomposition of Celeste’s remains presents significant challenges for forensic examination, particularly in determining the time and cause of death. He emphasized the importance of the relationship between D4VD and Celeste, as dismemberment often indicates a personal connection between the victim and the perpetrator.
The investigation has also drawn attention to a TikTok video made by a teacher who claimed Celeste had once been his student. The teacher recounted that she had previously communicated with D4VD and had left home to be with him, presenting a cautionary tale about the dangers of social media to students. While such testimonies provide crucial leads, they must be corroborated with substantial evidence to be useful in the investigation.
As the community mourns the loss of Celeste, her family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help lay her to rest. They expressed their heartbreak and devastation over her death, emphasizing that she was a cherished member of their family. The investigation remains ongoing, and while no formal arrests have been made, the situation continues to evolve as authorities pursue leads and evidence surrounding this tragic case.
With public interest surging, the implications of the findings could have lasting repercussions for D4VD, whose career is now overshadowed by these grave allegations. As investigators piece together the details, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind Celeste’s untimely death and ensuring justice for her family.