The decomposed remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, missing for nearly 18 months, were discovered inside a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. Authorities made the grim discovery after the vehicle was impounded and towed from an undisclosed location in or near Hollywood, California, prompting an immediate forensic investigation by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Rivas had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore approximately 1.5 years ago and was classified as a runaway at the time of her disappearance. The significant time gap between her vanishing and the discovery of her body highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating cases involving teenage runaways, who often face heightened vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Following the discovery, crime scene investigators cordoned off both the Tesla and a nearby house in Hollywood with police tape, conducting a thorough search of both locations. The body was in such an advanced state of decomposition that it was described as not fully intact when discovered on September 8th. Forensic teams have been meticulously gathering evidence, though authorities have not yet disclosed any potential suspects or formal charges in connection with Rivas’ death.
The case has drawn considerable media attention due to the vehicle’s connection to D4vd, an up-and-coming musical artist. In response to the ongoing investigation, the singer has postponed his album release and canceled his planned tour. Tow yard workers first detected the foul odor emanating from the vehicle earlier this month, which led to the discovery of the body.
While investigators have emphasized the vehicle’s registration to Burke, they have not publicly implicated him in any wrongdoing as they continue their probe. The circumstances surrounding how Rivas’ body ended up in the Tesla remain unclear, as does the exact cause and timing of her death.
Law enforcement officials continue to pursue multiple leads while awaiting thorough forensic analysis results. This tragic case underscores the dangers faced by minors who go missing and emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation in missing persons investigations, particularly those involving vulnerable youth classified as runaways. D4vd, who was gaining prominence through music streaming royalties and live performances, has remained silent on social media since the discovery. As a rising artist, D4vd had reportedly been working with various performance rights organizations to manage his growing catalog of music before this incident derailed his career trajectory.
