Records related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 15-year-old whose body was discovered in a vehicle registered to recording artist D4vd, have been sealed by court order. Officials have confirmed that these records are currently barred from public release.
Court Order and Medical Examiner's Statement
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office received a court order imposing a security hold on the case. This prevents the release or public posting of details concerning Ms. Rivas Hernandez's death. Dr. Odey Ukpo, the Chief Medical Examiner, stated that security holds are uncommon in other counties and have not been demonstrated to improve legal system outcomes. Dr. Ukpo affirmed the office's commitment to transparency but noted legal constraints apply while the court order is active. The police department requested the order to ensure officers receive information from the Medical Examiner prior to public release.
Discovery and Initial Findings
On September 8, police located Ms. Rivas Hernandez's remains in the trunk of an impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, following reports of a foul odor. The vehicle, registered to D4vd (David Anthony Burke, 20), was towed from the Hollywood Hills neighborhood five days after being abandoned. Ms. Rivas Hernandez, a resident of Lake Elsinore, California, had been reported missing and was last observed in April 2024, according to a missing person flyer.
Upon discovery, the medical examiner's office reported Ms. Rivas Hernandez's body was severely decomposed, suggesting she had been deceased for several weeks. A ruling on the cause of death was deferred pending further investigation. Details released by the medical examiner included clothing (tube top, small black leggings) and jewelry (yellow metal stud earring, chain bracelet). A tattoo reading "Shhh…" was present on her index finger, similar to a tattoo on D4vd's index finger.
Investigation and Impact on D4vd
The Los Angeles Police Department's robbery-homicide division is investigating the case. No arrests have been reported. D4vd, who released his debut album in April and was on tour at the time of the discovery, has not issued a public statement. However, his representatives previously confirmed his cooperation with law enforcement.
- D4vd's world tour was canceled shortly after the discovery.
- Sony Music Publishing reportedly suspended promotion for his second album.
- Los Angeles police conducted a search at the Hollywood Hills residence where D4vd was living, located near the vehicle's towing site.
- Hollister and Crocs ceased marketing campaigns featuring D4vd.
- Kali Uchis announced the removal of their collaboration, "Crashing."
Victim Background
Ms. Rivas Hernandez resided approximately 75 miles from the discovery site and had a history of running away from home. Neighbors interviewed by the Los Angeles Times identified her as a first-generation daughter of El Salvadoran immigrant parents, known for frequenting a local store. Her family described her as a daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. They initiated a crowdfunding effort for funeral expenses, and the funeral was held in October.