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Investigators are still trying to unravel the circumstances behind the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside singer D4vd's abandoned Tesla in September. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has indicated that the official cause of death "will most likely be 'undetermined,'" according to TMZ, due to the condition in which the body was found.
Celeste's remains were recovered on Sept. 8 at a Hollywood tow lot after employees reported a strong odor coming from the vehicle, which had been parked for days after being towed from a Hollywood Hills street. TMZ reported that her body parts were "partially frozen" and thawing inside the car, a factor now complicating forensic conclusions about how she died. One source told the outlet the case initially appeared to be an "apparent homicide," but the degree of decomposition and freezing has made conclusive findings difficult.
The Tesla was registered to 20-year-old musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. LAPD sources have confirmed he is being viewed as a suspect in Celeste's death, though no charges have been filed. According to TMZ, investigators also believe a second individual may have assisted, with attorney Mark Geragos stating on the "2 Angry Men" podcast that this person could have been involved "before, during, and after" Celeste's death.
Detectives have been piecing together a timeline that stretches back months. Celeste, a teen who had repeatedly run away, was reported missing in early 2024. Police believe she likely died in the spring. Investigators are also reviewing a nighttime trip Burke reportedly took to a remote part of Santa Barbara County, where he stayed for two hours. TMZ noted that detectives "believe it may be connected to whatever ended up happening to Celeste."
Questions have also surfaced about the relationship between Celeste and the singer. Online messages and images suggested they may have known each other, and her mother told authorities her daughter had been seeing someone named "David." Friends reportedly believed the teen was older than she was.
Following the discovery of the body, Burke cancelled upcoming tour dates and has "not been cooperating," a police source told People. Meanwhile, officials note that an arrest could still occur even if the medical examiner lists the cause of death as undetermined.
The investigation remains ongoing.
