Singer d4vd Named Suspect in Death of 15-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez Found in His Tesla

LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — A police source confirms that singer d4vd has been deemed a suspect in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found dead in the singer’s car on Sept. 8.

The police source alleges that the 20-year-old singer — whose real name is David Anthony Burke — “most likely had help dismembering and disposing of the body.”

Rivas Hernandez’s cause and manner of death remain under investigation and no criminal charges have been filed in the case.

Singer d4vd has been deemed a suspect in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez — and a police source is speaking out about how authorities believe he’s connected to the case.

The police source alleges to PEOPLE that the 20-year-old singer — whose real name is David Anthony Burke — “most likely had help dismembering and disposing of the body.” The source also claims that while Burke has not been charged with a crime, he “has not been cooperative” in the investigation.

The musician’s representative previously told NBC Los Angeles that he was “fully cooperating” with authorities.

The LAPD, d4vd’s lawyer and his rep didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

On Sept. 8, Rivas Hernandez was found dead in the trunk of the singer’s impounded Tesla one day after her 15th birthday while d4vd was on tour in the U.S. The car was reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, and neighbors told NBC Los Angeles it had been there for about a month. Officers responded to the scene after others reported a foul odor coming from the vehicle.

Her body was identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which listed her cause and manner of death as “deferred.”

The police source tells PEOPLE that investigators are “treating this like a homicide” and adds that the girl’s body was “decomposing when it was found in a plastic bag.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, Calif., at least three times in 2024, according to the Los Angeles Times — and residents claimed the teen had run away from home before, though her last known whereabouts remain unclear.

LAPD Captain and Commanding Officer Scot M. Williams previously told PEOPLE that Rivas Hernandez had been dead for “several weeks prior to her body being discovered.” He also confirmed that the LAPD did serve a search warrant “at a residence near where the car was towed” on Sept. 18.

A landlord previously told SFGate that d4vd had been staying at an L.A. property with his manager, but that the two moved out days after electronics and more were seized from the home, per the outlet. Williams told PEOPLE that he cannot confirm what was taken from the property.

Speculation has circulated online about the possibility that Rivas Hernandez and the “Romantic Homicide” singer knew each other. The Los Angeles medical examiner previously confirmed to PEOPLE that the teen had a “Shhh” tattoo on her right index finger, which appears to match one on d4vd. However, authorities have not commented on the matching tattoos.

Investigators believe Rivas Hernandez likely died in the spring of 2025, based on the decomposition of her remains. Sources familiar with the case have revealed that d4vd made a suspicious late-night trip to a remote area of Santa Barbara County around that time, where he remained for several hours. The body was discovered in a severely decomposed state, wrapped in plastic and showing signs of dismemberment that suggest assistance from others.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division has been leading the probe, executing a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills rental home linked to d4vd shortly after the body was found. The property, located near the site where the Tesla was abandoned, was searched for blood evidence and other forensic traces. d4vd and his manager had vacated the residence days earlier, following the seizure of electronics and other items.

Rivas Hernandez’s last confirmed sighting was on April 5, 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Her mother reportedly informed investigators that the teen had a boyfriend named David at the time of her disappearance, fueling further scrutiny on d4vd, whose given name matches. Social media has been rife with unverified photos and videos purporting to show the two together, though no official confirmation of a relationship has been made.

The discovery of the body prompted the abrupt cancellation of the remainder of d4vd’s U.S. tour, which included a scheduled stop in Los Angeles on Sept. 20. At the time, a spokesperson for the singer stated he was “fully cooperating” despite being out of state. Toxicology results and additional lab tests are still pending, which could provide critical insights into the cause of death and potential charges.

The girl’s family said on a GoFundMe created following the news of her death that they were “heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss.”

As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize their commitment to uncovering the full truth. The LAPD has stated that the Robbery-Homicide Division “is thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.” Multiple individuals believed to be involved in some capacity have been contacted by investigators, who express confidence in their direction.

This case has drawn widespread attention due to d4vd’s rising fame. The 20-year-old New York-born artist, known for hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” boasts over 33 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His involvement has shocked fans and the music industry, highlighting the stark contrast between his public persona and the gravity of the allegations.

While no arrests have been made, the designation of d4vd as a suspect marks a significant development in a case that began with a routine impound and escalated into a potential homicide probe. The community of Lake Elsinore, where Rivas Hernandez lived, has rallied around her family, mourning the loss of a young girl described by locals as someone who had struggled with running away but was full of potential.

Last updated: November 19, 2025

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