Rising Star D4vd Named Suspect in Teen's Death After Body Found in His Tesla
A representative for D4vd informed NBC News that the artist “has been made aware of the situation and, despite continuing his tour, is providing complete cooperation to law enforcement.”
While D4vd was initially not considered a suspect, the LAPD officially designated him as one in November 2025.
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As authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, Us Weekly provides a detailed overview of the facts surrounding the case.
Missing Person Report for 15-Year-Old Celeste Rivas
According to confirmation from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office to the Los Angeles Times, Rivas disappeared in April 2024. However, her case only garnered nationwide interest in September 2025 when a medical examiner identified her remains within a Tesla registered under D4vd’s name.
D4vd Releases New Album Featuring Track Titled ‘Afterlife’
Prior to the commencement of the investigation, D4vd launched a new album called Withered in April 2025. The collection of songs included one specific track titled “Afterlife.”
The deluxe version of Withered, titled Withered Deluxe: Marcescence, was scheduled for release on September 19, 2025.
Days before the launch, he shared on Instagram: “I wrote every song on my phone; this project, created out of passion, ensures I maintain the intense emotion and meaning my music holds for you all. Thank you to all the collaborators who delivered exceptional performances on their verses.❤️❤️❤️.”
Back in 2022, D4vd released the track “Romantic Homicide,” featuring a music video where a woman in a white dress appeared covered in blood.
He previously explained to Genius: “Everything possesses significance. I believe that is the essence of poetry. It functions like an interpretation where different people can read the same piece and derive unique insights, constantly discovering new elements. I consider all of my songs to be poetry.”
D4vd’s Final Instagram Post Before Link to Celeste Rivas Investigation
On September 6, 2025, just before the discovery of the body in the vehicle associated with him, the 20-year-old artist shared on social media: “I start media training tomorrow guys wish me luck … ”
Remains Discovered in Vehicle Registered to D4vd
Authorities informed Us Weekly that on September 8, 2025, officers arrived at a location on the 1000 block of Mansfield Avenue in Hollywood after reports of “a foul odor coming from a vehicle at a tow yard.”
Upon arrival, detectives discovered potential human remains within a Tesla sedan. Several news sources indicated that the car was registered to David Anthony Burke (D4vd) in Hempstead, Texas.
Celeste Rivas Identified as Deceased Person in D4vd’s Vehicle
On September 17, 2025, law enforcement verified to NBC Los Angeles that Rivas was the girl found deceased in the Tesla linked to D4vd. The identification was made via forensic analysis, and the county medical examiner required more time to establish the official cause of death.
Celeste Rivas’ Mother Discloses Daughter’s Boyfriend Named ‘David’
Rivas’ mother told TMZ in an interview published on September 17, 2025, that her daughter had a boyfriend who shared the name David. D4vd's legal name is David Anthony Burke.
Identical Tattoos Found on D4vd and Celeste Rivas
Rivas’ mother informed TMZ that her daughter had a finger tattoo reading “Shhhh.” Reports indicate that D4vd possesses an identical tattoo on his right index finger.
However, this tattoo design gained initial popularity when Rihanna received the ink on her index finger in 2008. Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen, and various other celebrities also share a similar tattoo.
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Police Search Home Rented by D4vd in Connection to Celeste Rivas Homicide
Law enforcement confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that a residence was searched on September 17, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The specific connection between the Hollywood Hills property and the death investigation was not immediately clarified.
TMZ claimed that law enforcement left the house carrying a computer and multiple bags of evidence. KABC Los Angeles noted that D4vd did not own the property but had been residing there.
D4vd had recently been performing as part of the Withered world tour. Fox 13 Seattle reported that his Seattle performance on September 16, 2025, was canceled.
Celeste Rivas’ Family Issues Statement
Following the confirmation that the body belonged to Rivas, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses.
The family’s message on the donation page stated: “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. 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.”
By September 19, 2025, the campaign had accumulated over $14,000 towards its $20,000 target.
D4vd Abruptly Cancels Tour Stops
On September 19, 2025, sources informed TMZ that D4vd’s management decided to call off his two remaining U.S. tour dates (San Francisco on September 19 and Los Angeles on September 20) in light of the ongoing homicide investigation. His scheduled Grammy Museum appearance on September 24, 2025, was also reported as canceled.
Ticketmaster listings indicate that many of the singer’s overseas tour dates, including performances in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin, have also been canceled. However, tickets for his December 2025 shows in Australia remain available for purchase.
D4vd’s Deluxe Album Release Halted
According to TMZ, D4vd’s record label, Interscope, and its parent company UMG reportedly postponed the release of the deluxe edition of the Withered album “out of respect for the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing investigation.” The album was scheduled for release on September 19, 2025.
Celeste Rivas’ Body Returned to Family
The Los Angeles County Coroner verified to TMZ on September 23, 2025, that Rivas’ remains were released to her family. The investigation into her death is still active, but officials have not disclosed whether a specific suspect has been identified.
Celeste Rivas’ Body ‘Dead for Several Weeks’ Before Discovery
On September 28, 2025, LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams informed People that Rivas had likely been deceased for “several weeks.”
Williams elaborated: “The Tesla had been parked at the location where it was towed from for several weeks, making it highly probable that Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks before her body was found.”
He further noted: “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has yet to establish the cause or manner of her death, meaning we cannot confirm if anyone holds criminal responsibility for her death beyond the act of concealing her deceased body.”
Celeste Rivas’ Pregnancy Status at Time of Death
TMZ reported on September 29, 2025, that Rivas’ death certificate indicated she was not pregnant at the time of her death and had not been pregnant during the preceding year.
Frequent Police Calls to Celeste Rivas’ Residence
According to a TMZ report from October 1, 2025, Riverside County Sheriff deputies responded to Rivas’ home 11 times over the course of a single year.
Police records acquired by the outlet show that deputies visited Rivas’ residence in Lake Elsinore, California, multiple times between February 2024 and April 2025. On March 19, 2024, reports indicate three visits to her property on the same day.
TMZ reports that most of these calls were categorized as “minor crime investigation,” though one call was specifically listed under “suspicious circumstances.”
D4vd Identified as Suspect in Celeste Rivas Homicide
Citing a Los Angeles Police Department source, NBC News reported that D4vd was formally named a suspect in Rivas’ death during November 2025.
As of December 19, 2025, D4vd had not faced arrest in relation to his alleged involvement in the crime.
Incinerator Discovered at Home Leased by D4vd
On December 16, 2025, California private investigator Steve Fischer posted on X, claiming he had been retained by the landlord of the property D4vd rented. During his inspection, Fischer alleged finding a 55-pound incinerator (burn cage) inside the house, noting it was unused and still in its packaging.
The P.I. added that this specific incinerator reaches temperatures of “1,600 degrees,” and contrasted this by noting that crematoriums usually operate at 1,400 degrees.
The use of such an incinerator is prohibited within the Los Angeles city limits.
