Introduction
When authorities reported that a “body found in car registered to D4vd” had been identified as a missing teen, the internet paused. What began as a disturbing discovery in a Hollywood tow yard has quickly turned into a complicated, heart-wrenching investigation. In this post, we’ll walk through what’s known about the discovery of human remains in a Tesla tied to singer D4vd, the identification of the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, and the broader questions this case raises.
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| Body Found in Car Registered to D4vd Identified as Missing Teen: The Case of Celeste Rivas |
Who Is Celeste Rivas?
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Missing since April 2024: Celeste Rivas, from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, California, was last seen on April 5, 2024. At that time she was 13. (Al Jazeera)
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Age at death: She was identified posthumously as 15 years old. (People.com)
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Physical description: When found, she was 5'1-5'2, wavy black hair, wearing a tube top, black leggings; she had a tattoo on her right index finger that read “Shhh...”. (ABC News)
The Discovery: What Happened
The Vehicle & Location
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The car was a Tesla Model Y registered to singer d4vd (legal name David Anthony Burke). (Statesman)
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It was located in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, and had been abandoned for several days. (San Francisco Chronicle)
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It was eventually towed to a lot (Hollywood Tow) after a public complaint of a foul odor emanating from it. (Statesman)
The Body
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The remains were found on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk (“frunk”) of the Tesla. (People.com)
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The body was severely decomposed, wrapped in a bag, and inside a state that suggested it had been there for an extended time (some reports say around five days before impound). (People.com)
Forensic Identification
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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains are those of Celeste Rivas, matching DNA and other forensic markers. (People.com)
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Key identifiers included the tattoo “Shhh...” on her right index finger, which Celeste’s mother said matched her daughter. (TMZ)
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Clothing items and physical details (earrings, bracelet, etc.) also matched Celeste’s description. (KFOX)
Investigation Status & Unanswered Questions
What Is Known
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The case is being investigated as a homicide, though the exact cause and manner of death are still pending. (Statesman)
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Authorities say there are no named suspects yet, and no charges filed at this time. (San Francisco Chronicle)
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D4vd’s representatives confirm he is cooperating with investigators. (People.com)
What Remains Unclear
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How and when Celeste entered or was placed inside the vehicle: Did she know someone who had access to the Tesla? Was she with someone she trusted? (Los Angeles Times)
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Why the car was abandoned: For how long was it parked in Hollywood Hills? Was the owner aware? Who was using it at various points? (San Francisco Chronicle)
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The link (if any) between Celeste and D4vd: Some media reports cite that Celeste’s mother once mentioned her daughter had a boyfriend named “David”, and that both Celeste and the singer have “Shhh…” tattoos. But coincidences like tattoos are not proof of involvement. (TMZ)
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The exact time of death and cause of death—whether it was an accident, foul play, or other mechanisms. (People.com)
Broader Implications & Public Reaction
Media, Reputation & Industry Fallout
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Given D4vd’s rising fame (songs like “Here With Me”, “Romantic Homicide”) and active tour schedule, the discovery sent shockwaves through fans and media alike. (People.com)
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Some collaborators and brands are reacting. For example, Kali Uchis removed a collaboration with D4vd in light of the case. (Indiatimes)
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Social media has lit up with speculation, some of it grounded, some of it less so—yet the legal presumption remains: investigation, not judgment.
Questions of Privacy, Forensics, and Presumption of Innocence
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This case highlights how quickly social media connects dots—and sometimes creates causal narratives—before all facts are known.
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The forensic community will likely pay close attention: how evidence was gathered (DNA, fingerprints, tattoo matching), how body decomposition can obstruct determining cause of death, chain of custody, etc.
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Also, privacy of the victim and her family matters, especially since Celeste was a minor.
Personal Reflections & What This Means for Communities
As someone who follows both crime reporting and the music world, this case struck me in a few particular ways:
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Vulnerability of missing children: It’s tragic that Celeste went missing and was without contact for over a year. The fear and uncertainty her family must have felt is heart-breaking.
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The weight of coincidences: Matching tattoos, similar names (“David”), overlap of public and private lives—these can look very damning, but they don’t necessarily imply guilt. We must balance curiosity with responsibility.
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Demand for transparency: In such cases, it’s essential that law enforcement provides clear, timely, accurate information—to prevent misinformation, reduce speculation, and ensure justice.
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Mental health and grief: We often forget that behind the headlines is a grieving family, community, maybe remorse or remorseless silence; these human elements should be centered, not buried.
What to Watch For: How This Case Could Unfold
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Release of the autopsy report and cause/manner of death. This could substantially change public understanding.
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Interviews or statements from people close to the vehicle: the tow yard, neighborhoods, any renters or friends who knew about or used the car.
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Investigation results from the Hollywood Hills home that was searched. Likely, law enforcement is seeking evidence like surveillance video, phone records, bruising or indications of wrongdoing. (NBC Los Angeles)
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Legal implications for D4vd: whether he becomes a person of interest or otherwise, depending on what evidence surfaces. The presumption of innocence is critical until proven otherwise.
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Media responsibility: how tabloids vs. reputable outlets treat the information; distinguishing confirmed facts vs. rumors.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The story behind Body found in car registered to D4vd identified as missing teen is still unfolding. What we do know is tragic: a young life, missing for over a year, discovered in terrible circumstances. What we don’t know is anything that fully explains how she died, who is responsible, and how all the pieces of connection—or non-connection—between Celeste and D4vd fit together.
This case calls for patience, compassion, and due process. It demands that the public resist leaping to conclusions until law enforcement shares more, and that our headlines treat human beings—victims and accused—with dignity.
Call-to-Action
What do you think should happen next? Here are a few ways to engage:
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Share your thoughts in the comments: What questions do you want investigators to answer?
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Help spread awareness—if anyone has tips or information related to this case, encourage them to contact LAPD.
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Stay informed by following credible news sources. We’ll be tracking autopsy results, law enforcement statements, and any legal fallout.
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