When the front trunk of a Tesla was opened on September 8 in Los Angeles County, no one expected to find the body of a 15-year-old girl—yet that’s exactly what investigators discovered: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teen from Lake Elsenor. What followed wasn’t just a grim discovery—it was the unraveling of a case that now centers on a rising music star: David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4VD. Police believe Celeste was killed months earlier, in the spring, and her body was kept hidden until the vehicle was found. The twist? D4VD, whose songs have amassed millions of streams and who performs to sold-out crowds, is now under active surveillance by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Discovery That Shook Hollywood
The body was found in the frunk of a Tesla Model S, parked near a residential street in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The vehicle had been reported abandoned after a neighbor noticed it sitting for days without movement. When officers opened the front trunk, they found Celeste’s remains. The medical examiner’s report was chilling: she’d been dead for an extended period—likely since March or April. That meant the killing didn’t happen on September 8. It happened months before, while D4VD was touring, posting on social media, and preparing for his next single. The timeline doesn’t just contradict the assumption of a recent crime—it suggests a chilling level of planning.Why D4VD? The Evidence Chain
The LAPD hasn’t publicly released forensic details, but sources confirm the Tesla was registered to David Anthony Burke. Surveillance footage from a gas station near his home showed him filling the vehicle with gas on the day before the body was discovered. Cell tower data places his phone near Lake Elsenor during the window police believe Celeste went missing. And here’s the most disturbing part: investigators reportedly recovered trace evidence—fibers, DNA—that links the interior of the Tesla to Celeste’s clothing and personal items. No arrest has been made yet, but according to retired LAPD detective Moses Castillo, who provided analysis to KTLA 5, “They’re not guessing anymore. They’ve got the pieces. They’re just waiting to connect them in a way a prosecutor can use.”The Role of the District Attorney and Legal Strategy
Legal analyst Allison Trezel told KTLA that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has been involved since day one. That’s unusual. Typically, prosecutors step in after police have built a case. But here, they’ve been guiding the investigation—telling detectives exactly what kind of evidence they’ll need to secure a conviction. Why? Because this isn’t just any homicide. It’s a case involving a celebrity. The DA knows the public eye is on them. They need ironclad proof. That means no shortcuts. No rushed arrests. Just methodical, meticulous work: monitoring calls, tracking locations, analyzing digital footprints. “They’re not trying to scare him,” Trezel said. “They’re trying to make him slip.”
Surveillance: Watching Every Move
According to Castillo, the LAPD is running what’s called a “passive surveillance” operation. Officers aren’t knocking on D4VD’s door. They’re not raiding his studio. Instead, they’re watching. “They’re seeing who he calls,” Castillo explained. “Where he goes. Who he meets. What apps he uses. If he’s talking to someone who knows something, they’ll hear it.” It’s a classic tactic—let the suspect think they’re free, then catch them in a lie. D4VD’s social media activity has been quietly reviewed. His last post before the body was found? A photo of a Tesla with the caption: “New ride, new chapter.” The timing is too perfect to ignore.Who Was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
Celeste wasn’t a public figure. She was a sophomore at Lake Elsinore High School. Friends described her as quiet but kind—someone who loved sketching in her notebook and listening to R&B music. She vanished in late March. Her family reported her missing two weeks later, but police initially thought she’d run away. No signs of struggle. No ransom note. No trail. Until now. Her mother, Maria Hernandez, spoke briefly to reporters after the body was identified: “I just want to know why. I want to know if she was scared.” No one has an answer yet. But the investigation has given her family something they hadn’t had in six months: momentum.
What Happens Next?
The LAPD won’t say when an arrest might come. But sources suggest it could happen within weeks—if D4VD makes a misstep. If he contacts someone connected to the case. If he tries to delete data. If he tries to leave the state. One thing is certain: once charges are filed, the legal battle will be fierce. D4VD’s legal team will likely argue lack of direct evidence, question the chain of custody, and challenge the timeline. But if prosecutors can prove he had opportunity, means, and motive—and if the digital trail holds up—this could be a landmark case in how celebrity crimes are investigated.The Bigger Picture: Fame, Privacy, and Justice
This case forces a hard question: How much does fame shield someone from accountability? D4VD’s music has been embraced by Gen Z. His lyrics often touch on pain, isolation, and emotional struggle. Now, those themes are being twisted by tragedy. Fans are divided. Some are in shock. Others are defending him, calling the allegations a media stunt. But for the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, this isn’t about fame. It’s about justice. And the LAPD, the DA’s office, and even the media are now all part of a system that must prove it works—even when the suspect is a star.Frequently Asked Questions
How did police link D4VD to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death?
Police linked D4VD through vehicle registration, cell tower data placing his phone near Lake Elsenor during her disappearance, and trace evidence—fibers and DNA—found in the Tesla’s front trunk that matched Celeste’s clothing. Surveillance footage also showed him refueling the vehicle the day before the body was discovered.
Why was the body found months after the estimated time of death?
The medical examiner determined Celeste had been deceased for an extended period, consistent with death in spring 2024. The body was likely preserved in the Tesla’s climate-controlled trunk, delaying decomposition. Police believe the vehicle was moved or stored after the killing, then abandoned shortly before discovery.
What role does the Los Angeles County District Attorney play in this case?
The District Attorney’s Office has been advising LAPD detectives from the start, specifying what evidence is needed for a successful prosecution. This early involvement is rare and signals prosecutors are confident they can meet the burden of proof—but only if every detail is meticulously documented.
Is there any indication D4VD knew Celeste before the incident?
Authorities have not confirmed any prior relationship. However, investigators are examining whether Celeste attended a concert or interacted with D4VD online. Her family says she was a fan of his music, which may have created a connection—intentional or not—that led to the encounter.
What happens if D4VD is arrested?
He would be booked on suspicion of murder and held without bail pending a preliminary hearing. Given the high-profile nature, the case would likely be handled by the DA’s Special Prosecutions Unit. His music career would be put on hold, and his social media accounts would likely be scrutinized for evidence.
Could this case change how police investigate celebrity-related crimes?
Potentially. This case highlights how digital footprints—Tesla location data, phone records, social media activity—can be just as telling as physical evidence. It may set a precedent for treating celebrity suspects the same as any other, with no special deference, and using surveillance tactics more aggressively when public safety and evidence integrity are at stake.
