Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 15-year-old discovered dead in the trunk of a Tesla registered to R&B singer D4vd earlier this month, was likely dead weeks before she was found, police said.
Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposing remains were discovered on Sept. 8, after employees at Hollywood Tow reported a foul odor emanating for the electric vehicle, police said. It had been towed to the lot some five days earlier, after it was reported abandoned in Hollywood Hills.
The teen, from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, had been reported missing in April 2024 from her family’s home in Lake Elsinore, Calif., some 76 miles away from where the vehicle was parked. She was just 13 years old at the time.
In an update provided on Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department said that its Robbery-Homicide Division has been “diligently investigating,” but noted the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of her death. It has been listed as “deferred” on her death certificate, ABC News reported.
“As such, it remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body,” the update said. “RHD is thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.”
While few other details have been provided, speculation of a romance between D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, and the teen has been swirling online. Rivas’ mother previously told TMZ her daughter had a boyfriend named David. The pair also appeared to have matching “Shhh” tattoos on their index fingers.
“As far as their relationship, it would be premature for me to say anything,” LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams told People. “We are looking into everything.”
Police have said the singer is cooperating with the investigation.
The 20-year-old performer was born in Queens and his family moved to Houston, Texas when he was 13 years old. He first found fame on YouTube and TikTok with songs like “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” He has canceled both his U.S. and European tours in the days since Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found in his Tesla.
The release of his new album has also been postponed indefinitely.
