Los Angeles police are treating the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 15-year-old girl, as a homicide after her remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer D4vd, authorities said. Celeste's family has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover burial costs, describing her as a beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend and asking the public to contribute to lay her to rest.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the inquiry and has not named any suspects or announced any arrests. The department said the Tesla had been towed after it was left near a Hollywood Hills home where D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, had been staying. Investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence. Image
Celeste was reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, Riverside County. Authorities confirmed she had been found Sept. 8 in the trunk of the towed Tesla; the remains were severely decomposed, indicating they had been in the car for an extended period. Riverside County officials said Celeste was the juvenile reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024. The timing has prompted a broader examination of events leading up to her death. Image
GoFundMe organizers Esmeralda Lozano and Gisel Vera wrote on the campaign page that any funds would help the family bury Celeste and mention the family's heartbreak and devastation. “She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend,” the page reads. “Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.” As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $14,000 toward a $20,000 goal, with hundreds of people contributing. A representative for D4vd said the artist has been fully cooperating with the authorities. The singer has not been implicated by police, according to multiple outlets. Image
The case has drawn renewed attention to links between Celeste and the celebrity figure, with social media discussions and older online chatter resurfacing about a possible relationship. Screenshots of messages on D4vd’s Discord fan server show he was rumored to be dating a teen named “Celeste” years before Rivas Hernandez was identified as the remains. Several photos have circulated of D4vd with a young woman bearing a strong resemblance to Celeste, whose missing posters circulated in 2024. Investigators have not publicly detailed any prior relationship between Celeste and the artist. Image
The Los Angeles Times reported that the Tesla was towed from near a rental in the Bird Streets area associated with the singer, and detectives are reconstructing Celeste’s final movements as they review records and seek additional video evidence. In the wake of the identification, D4vd canceled the remaining dates of his U.S. tour, including a scheduled show in San Francisco. Industry outlets also reported the postponement of Los Angeles appearances and a museum event. The tour hiatus underscores the sensitivity surrounding the case within the entertainment world. Image
Authorities stress there is no confirmed cause of death, and investigators are awaiting autopsy results and additional evidence as the inquiry continues. The investigation is being conducted by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, with updates expected as new information becomes available. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time while the GoFundMe campaign continues to solicit donations to cover Celeste’s burial expenses. The case remains under active review, and law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information to come forward.
This development sits at the intersection of culture and entertainment, where a high-profile musician’s personal life and a young woman’s death have converged on a national stage. As investigators pursue leads and the GoFundMe campaign grows, the public will be watching for formal updates from authorities and for any further statements from Celeste’s family. The relationship between the celebrity figure and the case remains a central question for followers and commentators, even as investigators emphasize that no conclusions have been drawn about a link between Celeste’s death and the artist. The story continues to unfold as new details emerge.