Teen’s body found in Tesla linked to viral musician sparks investigation

Friday 19 September 2025 - 08:48

By: Dakir Madiha

Teen’s body found in Tesla linked to viral musician sparks investigation

Police in Los Angeles are investigating the mysterious death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to viral musician d4vd (David Anthony Burke). The decomposed remains were found on September 8 in Hollywood Hills, months after Rivas was reported missing from Lake Elsinore in April 2024. She had been 13 at the time of her disappearance.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Rivas’s identity but has not determined the cause or manner of death. Authorities are scrutinizing her last known movements while continuing the investigation. The Tesla was abandoned for at least five days before neighbors reported a foul smell, leading LAPD officers to find Rivas’s body wrapped in a bag inside the vehicle. Advanced decomposition delayed identification, but distinguishing features such as a “Shhh…” tattoo on her index finger helped confirm her identity.

The tattoo’s resemblance to one seen on d4vd in past photos has drawn public attention, but police have not officially linked the artist to the death. The musician’s representatives stated he is cooperating fully with the investigation. Although one of his concerts was canceled, his tour remains active.

Rivas’s family has expressed their grief and launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses. Meanwhile, law enforcement has not disclosed whether d4vd and Rivas knew each other or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding her death. The investigation remains ongoing.