When the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas was found in the front trunk of a black Tesla Model S parked in the Hollywood Hills on September 8, 2025, no one suspected it would lead to one of Los Angeles’ most disturbing celebrity-linked homicides. Now, nearly two months later, the Los Angeles Police Department has named 19-year-old pop singer David Anthony Hernandez, known professionally as D4VD as the primary suspect in her death. The discovery sent shockwaves through the city — not just because of the victim’s age, but because of the chilling setting: a luxury car owned by a rising music star with nearly half a billion Spotify streams.
Timeline of a Tragedy
Celeste Rivas vanished on June 15, 2025, after failing to return home from El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills. Her parents, Maria Rivas, 38, and Carlos Rivas, 41 — both employees of the Los Angeles Unified School District — reported her missing that evening. For weeks, nothing. No 911 calls, no social media activity, no sightings. Then, on September 8, a passerby noticed an unusual odor near a Tesla parked at 6420 Mulholland Drive. Inside the front trunk: Celeste’s remains.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office performed the autopsy on September 10, but the official cause of death remains sealed. Sources say it was not accidental. Detectives now believe she died in the spring — possibly between March and May 2025 — months before her body was discovered. That timeline is critical. It means her killer had time to move her, conceal her, and even drive the car across the city without drawing attention.
From Concerts to Criminal Suspect
D4VD — born August 23, 2005, in San Antonio, Texas — rose to fame in 2023 with his haunting single “Romantic Homicide,” which climbed to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since amassed 487 million streams on Spotify. His music, often blending dark lyrics with dreamy synth-pop, resonated with teenagers. And according to investigators, he had over 1,200 Instagram followers under 16 as of August 2025. No direct link between him and Celeste has been confirmed, but the proximity of his residence, his vehicle, and the timeline is too tight to ignore.
On September 10, his booking agency, Wasserman Music, issued a statement claiming he was “fully cooperating.” But detectives say that was a lie. “Our law enforcement contacts are now telling us that was never true,” one anonymous investigator told NBC4. Within days, D4VD canceled his 28-city “Midnight Drive” tour — a venture estimated to have generated $3.2 million in revenue, according to Pollstar. He vacated his $7,850-a-month Hollywood Hills apartment on September 12 and vanished. By September 15, he was in Austin, Texas, where he remains today, though he still lists Los Angeles County as his official residence.
Who’s Watching the Labels?
Meanwhile, his record label, Warner Records, has stayed silent. Despite repeated requests from NBC4 since September 9, no statement has been issued. Not even a generic “We are aware of the situation.” That silence speaks volumes — especially when you consider how quickly labels usually distance themselves from scandal. Warner’s headquarters on 777 Santa Monica Boulevard is now under scrutiny. Did they know? Did they encourage him to lie? Or were they as blindsided as the public?
The case is being handled by the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, under case number 2025-091478. Seven detectives are assigned. Forensic teams from the LAPD Parker Center have analyzed the Tesla’s interior, interior electronics, and even the GPS logs from the car’s infotainment system. Cell tower pings place D4VD near Celeste’s school on two occasions in April 2025. One of those dates coincides with a canceled school event — one Celeste was scheduled to attend.
What Comes Next?
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, located at 211 North Bonnie Brae Street, is now reviewing the evidence. Sources close to the investigation say formal charges are expected within 30 to 60 days. If charged, D4VD could face first-degree murder, especially if prosecutors can prove premeditation — and the fact that he waited months before disposing of the body suggests planning.
There’s also a troubling pattern here. In recent years, multiple cases have emerged involving young influencers and minors — from predatory DMs to hidden relationships. Celeste’s case isn’t the first, but it may be the most visible. And it’s forcing parents, schools, and streaming platforms to ask: How many others are out there?
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a singer. It’s about a system that lets fame shield behavior. D4VD’s music is played in middle school hallways. His lyrics are quoted in TikTok videos. He’s a role model to kids who don’t yet know how to recognize danger — or how to report it. When a teenager disappears, and the only person with access to her final days is a pop star with a Tesla and a silent label, the question isn’t just “who did it?” It’s “how did this happen so quietly?”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did investigators link D4VD to Celeste Rivas’ death?
Investigators linked D4VD through vehicle ownership (the Tesla was registered to him), his residence near the discovery site, cell tower data placing him near her school in April 2025, and his abrupt departure from Los Angeles after the body was found. His agency’s false claim of cooperation further raised suspicion. No direct digital communication between him and Celeste has been confirmed, but the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming.
Why hasn’t Warner Records spoken out?
Warner Records has not issued any public statement despite repeated media inquiries since September 9, 2025. Industry insiders suggest the label may be awaiting legal advice before commenting, as any statement could be used in court. Their silence, however, has drawn criticism from advocacy groups who argue labels have a responsibility to address potential harm linked to their artists.
Could D4VD be charged with more than murder?
Yes. If prosecutors can prove he groomed Celeste online — especially given his 1,200 underage followers — he could face additional charges for child exploitation or unlawful sexual contact with a minor. The fact that he was 19 and she was 15 also opens the door for statutory rape charges, even if no sexual assault was confirmed. The LAPD is still analyzing his digital devices.
What’s the significance of the Tesla’s location on Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive is a winding, secluded road known for celebrity homes and hidden spots. It’s a place where people go to disappear — literally and figuratively. The fact that the car was parked there for over a month without being noticed suggests the killer assumed it was a safe place to leave evidence. Detectives believe the vehicle was moved there deliberately after the body was transported from another location.
Is there a chance D4VD is being framed?
It’s possible, but unlikely. The timeline, the vehicle, the relocation, and the false statement from his agency all point toward him. No other suspects have been publicly named, and the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division doesn’t make accusations lightly. That said, defense attorneys will likely challenge the forensic timeline and demand access to all digital evidence — especially since no eyewitnesses or direct DNA links have been released.
What should parents do if they’re worried about their teen’s online interactions with influencers?
Talk openly. Don’t just monitor — ask questions. Many teens see influencers as peers, not public figures. Encourage them to report uncomfortable messages. Schools like El Camino Real Charter High School now offer digital safety workshops, but parental involvement remains the strongest defense. If an adult influencer is messaging a minor, report it to the platform and local authorities immediately.