Tragedy as Decomposed Body Found in Tesla Linked to Singer D4vd Identified as Missing 15-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Los Angeles is reeling from a chilling revelation after authorities confirmed that a decomposed body discovered in a Tesla registered to rising music star D4vd (David Anthony Burke) belonged to 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a girl reported missing in late 2024.

The confirmation came on September 17, 2025, through the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, with the LAPD launching a full homicide investigation into the teen’s death.

The case has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment world and the wider public, not only because of the grim discovery but also due to the deeply personal ties between the victim and the 20-year-old singer. In 2023, D4vd released a haunting track titled “Celeste”, widely believed by fans to be inspired by Hernandez. Even more unsettling, both were seen in past photos sporting matching tattoos, while screenshots from Discord conversations — now being scrutinized by investigators — point to a prior relationship between the pair.

That relationship raises urgent legal questions. Under California law, the age of consent is 18, with strict prohibitions on relationships involving anyone under 16 if the older party is over 21. Legal analysts suggest that, if proven, these details could complicate the investigation, opening potential avenues of charges beyond homicide.

The grim identification of Hernandez’s body relied on advanced DNA analysis techniques, given the severe decomposition of the remains. According to NBC Los Angeles, investigators turned to forensic methods validated by a 2021 Journal of Forensic Sciences study, which confirmed a 99.9% accuracy rate even in cases involving heavily deteriorated remains. This breakthrough eliminated doubt and formally tied the tragedy to the missing teenager’s file.

For fans of D4vd, the news lands like a thunderclap. The Houston-born artist, who shot to fame in 2022 with viral tracks blending indie rock and R&B, had cultivated an image of quiet artistry. Now, his career faces an unprecedented storm as both law enforcement and the court of public opinion weigh the disturbing evidence emerging against him.

Meanwhile, questions mount about how a teenager’s disappearance could remain unsolved for months before ending in such a grim discovery. The case underscores broader concerns about missing minors in California and the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable youth — a crisis that often slips beneath the radar until tragedy strikes.

As investigations continue, the story of Celeste Rivas Hernandez threatens to eclipse the music that first brought D4vd global attention. In its place, a harrowing narrative unfolds: one of loss, unanswered questions, and a high-profile figure at the center of a case that could redefine his legacy forever.

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