The decomposing body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a sophomore from Lake Elsinore, California, was discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla on September 8, 2025, at a Hollywood impound lot in Los Angeles. The vehicle, registered to rising R&B artist D4vd—whose real name is believed to be David—had been abandoned for weeks, its foul odor prompting a routine impound inspection. What officers found wasn’t just a corpse. It was a dismembered teenager, hidden in plain sight, and now, nearly two months later, D4vd is the primary suspect in a homicide investigation that has stunned the music world and left a family grieving in silence.
The Discovery That Shook Hollywood
It was a Tuesday afternoon when LAPD officers responded to the impound lot after a maintenance worker complained about a “rotten smell” coming from a black Tesla Model S. They opened the frunk—and found Celeste’s remains. The body showed signs of postmortem dismemberment, with investigators telling ABC News the process “likely involved more than one person.” Authorities believe she had been dead for several weeks before the vehicle was towed, possibly since late July or early August. Celeste, who had been reported missing in 2024, was last seen alive in Riverside County, about 60 miles from where her body was found. Her family, still unaware of the full details, has not publicly commented.Who Is D4vd—and Why Is He a Suspect?
D4vd, 22, rose to fame in 2023 with moody, emotionally raw R&B tracks like “Romantic Homicide,” a song that now carries a chilling irony. His debut album, Romantic Homicide, was slated for a deluxe edition release on September 19, 2025—just 11 days after Celeste’s body was discovered. Promotional campaigns were halted immediately. His European tour, scheduled to begin in October, was canceled outright on November 20, 2025, according to a source close to his team. LAPD detectives have reportedly interviewed multiple associates, including people linked to D4vd’s inner circle. KTLA 5’s Mary Beth McDade confirmed that “detectives are looking at David as a suspect,” and that “the singer may have had help disposing of her body.” Yet, despite the mounting circumstantial evidence—ownership of the vehicle, timing of the disappearance, and the location of the body—no arrest has been made. Why? Because the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has yet to determine the cause and manner of death. That report, expected imminently, could be the turning point.The Investigation’s Blind Spots
Here’s the unsettling part: Celeste’s disappearance wasn’t flagged as urgent. She wasn’t a missing persons case with widespread media attention. She was a quiet teenager from a working-class neighborhood. Her case didn’t trend. Her face didn’t grace billboards. And for over a year, her absence went unnoticed by many. Now, the spotlight is blinding. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to KTLA that police have not yet presented the case for review. “We can’t anticipate whether charges will be filed,” a spokesperson said. That means investigators are still gathering forensic evidence, possibly DNA, surveillance footage, or digital communications. D4vd’s phone, social media accounts, and Tesla’s internal logs may be under forensic examination. His manager and legal team have not responded to repeated requests for comment.
Industry Fallout and Public Reaction
The music industry is reacting with cautious distance. Streaming platforms have quietly removed D4vd’s music from curated playlists. His record label, Interscope Records, has issued no public statement. Fans who once praised his vulnerability in lyrics now scramble to reconcile the artist with the alleged crime. One fan tweeted: “I cried to ‘Romantic Homicide’ last night. I don’t know who to mourn—the song, or the girl.” Meanwhile, advocates for missing youth are calling this case a failure of the system. “Celeste wasn’t a celebrity,” said Maria Lopez of the California Missing Youth Initiative. “Her disappearance didn’t trigger a Amber Alert. That’s not an accident. It’s a pattern.”What Comes Next?
The Medical Examiner’s final report is expected within days. If it confirms homicide—especially if it shows trauma consistent with assault or strangulation—arrests could follow swiftly. If evidence points to multiple perpetrators, investigators may be building a case against others linked to D4vd. One theory circulating among law enforcement insiders: a third party may have used D4vd’s car without his knowledge, but that seems increasingly unlikely given the time frame and the vehicle’s location. What’s clear is this: Celeste Rivas Hernandez was someone’s daughter, someone’s friend. Her life ended in a car trunk, hidden behind the glitz of fame. And while the world waits for an arrest, her family waits for answers.
Background: The Rise and Fall of D4vd
Born in California and raised in a bilingual household, D4vd began posting music on SoundCloud at 16. His breakout hit, “Romantic Homicide,” went viral in early 2023 after being featured on TikTok. By 2024, he was touring with major acts like Tate McRae and performing at Lollapalooza. His aesthetic—dark, cinematic, emotionally fractured—resonated with Gen Z audiences. His debut album, released in April 2025, debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. He was on the cusp of international stardom. Now, his name is tied to a tragedy that defies easy explanation.Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t D4vd been arrested yet?
Despite being named a primary suspect, no arrest has been made because the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the official cause and manner of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. Without that forensic confirmation, prosecutors can’t file charges. Investigators are still gathering digital evidence, including Tesla data logs, phone records, and potential surveillance footage from the impound lot and surrounding areas.
How long was Celeste’s body in the Tesla before it was found?
Authorities believe Celeste’s body had been stored in the Tesla’s front trunk for at least six to eight weeks prior to its discovery on September 8, 2025. The vehicle was reportedly abandoned at the Hollywood impound lot in late July or early August, meaning her death likely occurred around that time—weeks before her family even reported her missing in 2024.
Could someone else have used D4vd’s car to dispose of the body?
While investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility of others being involved, the timeline and location make it unlikely. The Tesla was registered solely to D4vd, and the vehicle was parked at the impound lot under his name. The dismemberment and concealment suggest planning, not opportunism. LAPD sources indicate the suspect(s) knew how to avoid detection, which points to someone with familiarity with the car and its owner.
What’s the significance of the dismemberment in this case?
Dismemberment strongly suggests an attempt to conceal identity or delay detection—often seen in cases involving perpetrators with prior knowledge of forensic procedures or a desire to avoid identification. It also implies multiple people may have been involved, given the physical effort required. This detail has shifted the investigation from a possible crime of passion to a more calculated, possibly premeditated act.
Why did it take so long for Celeste to be reported missing?
Celeste’s family didn’t report her missing until months after her disappearance, which authorities say is not uncommon for teens in economically strained households. She had been staying with friends, and communication had become sporadic. Without a clear emergency trigger—like a school absence or a threatening message—her case didn’t rise to the level of immediate police priority, a tragic gap in the system that allowed time for evidence to degrade.
What happens if the Medical Examiner rules her death an accident?
Even if the Medical Examiner rules the death accidental, the circumstances of concealment and dismemberment would still trigger criminal charges—likely for tampering with evidence or obstructing justice. The act of hiding a body, regardless of cause of death, is a felony in California. D4vd could still face serious legal consequences even if homicide is not proven.