Celeste Rivas Hernandez Was Likely ‘Dead for Several Weeks’ Before Being Found in d4vd’s Tesla Trunk: Police

The Los Angeles Police Department believes the body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, found inside a Tesla owned by musician d4vd, had been in the vehicle for several weeks before discovery.

Speaking with PEOPLE, LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams said that while many details remain unclear, “we know for sure that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died and someone placed her body in the front trunk area of David Burke’s [d4vd’s legal name] Tesla.”

Williams noted, “We know that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so it is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered.”

He added that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not determined a cause or manner of her death, and “we don’t know for sure if anyone has any criminal culpability for her death beyond the concealment of her dead body.” The LAPD’s robbery-homicide division continues to investigate.

Williams also confirmed that a search warrant was served “at a residence near where the car was towed.” A landlord previously told SFGate that d4vd, 20, had been staying at an L.A. property with his manager, though they moved out days after electronics and other items were seized. Williams said he cannot confirm what was taken.

Speculation has circulated online about a possible connection between Rivas Hernandez and the “Romantic Homicide” singer, as the teen reportedly had a matching “Shhh” tattoo on her right index finger, similar to d4vd’s, according to the Los Angeles Times citing the medical examiner. Williams cautioned, “As far as their relationship, it would be premature for me to say anything. We are looking into everything.”

The LAPD did not confirm whether d4vd is cooperating with the investigation, although his representative previously told NBC Los Angeles that he was “fully cooperating with the authorities.”

d4vd has not been named a suspect or charged in connection with the case. His representative has not responded to multiple requests for comment from PEOPLE.

Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the impounded Tesla one day after her 15th birthday while d4vd was on a U.S. tour. The car had been reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, and neighbors told NBC Los Angeles it had been there for about a month. Officers responded after a foul odor was reported coming from the vehicle, registered to David Anthony Burke.

Rivas Hernandez was first reported missing on April 5, 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, which told the Los Angeles Times that the LAPD is “investigating this incident as a homicide.” Her cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, Calif., at least three times in 2024, and residents noted she had run away previously, though her last known whereabouts remain unclear.

d4vd has received acclaim for hits including “Here with Me” and “One More Dance,” and released his debut album, Withered, in April 2025. Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s body, he canceled the remainder of his U.S. tour, NBC News reported.