The mysterious death of Celeste Rivas, a missing California teenager, has shaken the internet. Her decomposed body was discovered in a car registered to American singer, D4vd. After locals complained about a foul odour, police found her remains in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla on September 8, 2025.
Nearly more than a week later, the authorities confirmed that the remains belonged to a 15-year-old Celeste, who had disappeared more than a year ago. Since her tragic demise, it has raised questions not just about what happened with her but also if she had a possible connection with the rising music star.
Who Was Celeste Rivas?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 13, was first reported missing in April 2024. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, she was last seen in Lake Elsinore, California, around 70 miles from Los Angeles. The family and authorities had circulated flyers, which described her look at the time. Among the height, weight, and outfit was a unique tattoo which read, “Shh…” on her right index finger. Eventually, the same tattoo helped to confirm her identity, along with dental records.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet determined how or when she died. But, NBC News reported that police are still awaiting toxicology results and a further autopsy report for it. At the same time, her disappearance left her family desperate for answers. Later, the discovery of her remains on September 8, 2025, just one day after her 15th birthday, has left them with deep grief. One of her family members told TMZ:
“She was just a child with her whole life ahead of her.”
Who Is D4vd?
David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is a 20-year-old singer and songwriter from Queens, New York. He rose to fame in 2022 when his song, Romantic Homicide went viral on TikTok. It crossed more than 170 million views on YouTube. Another track, Here With Me, made him a favorite among Gen Z audiences, receiving more than 240 million views on the platform. According to Billboard, he has been performing across the U.S. and Europe on his current tour. But after Celeste’s remains were found in his Tesla, his representatives told media outlets he is “fully cooperating” with law enforcement. At the same time, he canceled several upcoming shows.
What will happen next in Celeste Rivas’ death case?
The LAPD has emphasised that the case remains a ‘death investigation’ and not a homicide at this stage. Officer, Charles Miller told BBC News that without a confirmed cause and manner of death, they cannot call it a crime. Legal experts also explained to ABC News that an early arrest without solid evidence could weaken the investigation in court. Consequently, authorities just searched a residence tied to the musician and seized electronic devices, waiting for the results.
Did D4vd and Celeste Rivas know each other?
A major conversation about the case is whether Celeste and D4vd ever had a relationship. Her mother told TMZ that Celeste had mentioned dating someone named ‘David’ before she went missing. At the same time, both Celeste and D4vd share the same “Shh…” tattoo design on their index fingers. Although this tattoo is popular and worn by several celebrities, its presence has raised online speculation. However, police have not confirmed any personal link between the two.
What do you think about the uncertainty in the D4vd and Celeste Rivas case?
Next Read: Why Is D4vd Not Arrested? Legal Experts Reveal After Celeste Rivas, 15, Was Found Dead In His Car