The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) believes that the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez—whose lifeless form was discovered inside a Tesla owned by musician d4vd—had lain in the vehicle for several weeks before its grim discovery. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams revealed that while many questions remain unanswered surrounding Rivas Hernandez's tragic death, "we know for certain that Celeste Rivas Hernandez passed away, and someone placed her body in the front trunk area of David Burke's [d4vd's legal name] Tesla."
"We've confirmed that the Tesla had been parked at the location where it was ultimately towed for several weeks," Williams elaborated. "Therefore, it is highly probable that Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been deceased for several weeks prior to her body being found." He added that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had yet to determine a cause or manner of death, leaving uncertainty as to whether anyone bears criminal culpability for her demise beyond the act of concealing her body. The captain noted that the LAPD's robbery-homicide division continues to probe the case meticulously.
Williams also confirmed that the LAPD executed a search warrant "at a residence near where the car was towed." A landlord had previously informed SFGate that d4vd, aged 20, had been residing at an L.A. property alongside his manager, but that the pair vacated the premises just days after electronics and other items were seized from the home, according to the outlet. Williams clarified to PEOPLE that he could not confirm the specifics of what was taken from the property.
Speculation has swirled online about a possible romantic link between Rivas Hernandez and the "Romantic Homicide" singer, as the teen reportedly bore a matching "Shhh" tattoo on her right index finger—allegedly similar to the one adorning d4vd—as noted by the Los Angeles Times, citing the medical examiner. However, Williams cautioned against jumping to conclusions. "As far as their relationship, it would be premature for me to make any definitive statements," he said. "We are examining every angle," the captain assured PEOPLE.
The LAPD declined to confirm whether d4vd was cooperating with the investigation, despite his representative previously telling NBC Los Angeles that he was "fully cooperating with the authorities." d4vd has not been identified as a suspect or charged with any crime in connection with the case. His representative has not responded to multiple requests for comment from PEOPLE.
Rivas Hernandez's body was found in the impounded Tesla one day after her 15th birthday, while d4vd was on tour across the U.S. The vehicle, registered to the 20-year-old singer—whose full name is David Anthony Burke—had been reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, with neighbors telling NBC Los Angeles it had been parked there for roughly a month. Officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a foul odor emanating from the car.
Rivas Hernandez was first reported missing on April 5, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office informed the Los Angeles Times. The sheriff’s office later told NBC News that the LAPD is "treating this incident as a homicide investigation." The cause and manner of Rivas Hernandez's death remain under active investigation.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, Calif., at least three times in 2024, as per the Los Angeles Times. Residents claimed the teen had a history of running away from home, though her last known whereabouts remain unclear.
d4vd, who has garnered acclaim for hits including "Here with Me" and "One More Dance," and released his debut album, *Withered*, in April 2025, canceled his remaining U.S. tour dates following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body, NBC News reported.
