News Summary
The investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has deepened after her body was found in a Tesla owned by singer D4vd. The car had been parked in Hollywood Hills for weeks, and an investigation is ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death. D4vd’s manager denies involvement, while the cause of death remains unclear. Surveillance footage and additional evidence could be crucial in piecing together the timeline of events leading to Hernandez’s tragic demise.
Los Angeles, CA – The investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken a troubling turn following the discovery of her body in a Tesla owned by singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) on September 8, 2025. Hernandez’s body was found in the trunk of the vehicle, which had been parked in a Hollywood Hills parking lot for several weeks, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The vehicle was located by tow yard workers who reported a foul odor emanating from it. Following this discovery, the LAPD executed a search warrant at D4vd’s rental home. The singer had been leasing the property for approximately $20,000 per month, highlighted by the fact that a private investigator, Steve Fischer, was hired by the owner of the rental home, Mladen Trifunovic, to look into the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’s death.
Investigative Details
Fischer confirmed that the Tesla was leased under D4vd’s manager, Josh Marshall, who has publicly denied any involvement in Hernandez’s death. Surveillance footage from nearby residences indicates that the Tesla was moved prior to its final location, suggesting a deliberate concealment. However, Fischer noted that significant evidence relevant to the investigation, including digital media that could help establish a timeline of events, was reportedly not collected by the LAPD.
As of now, there is no evidence indicating that Hernandez had been at D4vd’s residence before her death. Fischer speculated that Hernandez may have had another location she was staying at around the time of her demise. She had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore in February and had gone missing multiple times in the previous year. The last known images of Hernandez were recorded on January 2, 2025, and she was officially identified a day after her 15th birthday.
Current Status of Investigation
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has yet to determine the cause of death, which remains classified as “deferred.” Speculation surrounding a potential relationship between Hernandez and D4vd has also emerged, particularly due to a matching tattoo found on both individuals. Despite this, D4vd has not been named as a suspect and has expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
The vehicle had accrued parking citations before the discovery of Hernandez’s body, with the last citation issued on September 3, 2025. Investigators believe the car had been abandoned for weeks before being impounded, prompted by complaints of odor from neighbors. Fischer is actively searching for additional surveillance footage from nearby residences to help reconstruct the timeline of Hernandez’s last moments, with relevant footage dating back to July 29, 2025, confirming that none matched D4vd’s identity.
Background on Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Celeste’s family reported her missing multiple times, indicating ongoing concerns about her safety and well-being. In response to her tragic passing, a community memorial service for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been scheduled, reflecting the profound impact of her loss on friends, family, and neighbors. With the investigation ongoing, law enforcement continues to explore potential criminal culpability related to the concealment of Hernandez’s body.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Magazine: PI Drops Bombshell in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
- Wikipedia: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- Los Angeles Times: Grief Hangs Over Lake Elsinore for Celeste Rivas
- Google Search: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- People: Celeste Rivas Hernandez Likely Dead for Several Weeks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- ABC7: Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Cause of Death Undetermined
- Google News: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- People Image Reference
- Los Angeles Magazine: Josh Marshall Breaks Silence on TikTok
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
