Body of Missing Teen Found in Car Registered to Singer D4vd, Police Confirm

Shocking Discovery in Hollywood

Los Angeles authorities confirmed today that the body of a 15-year-old girl, missing for more than a year, was discovered inside a vehicle registered to singer and songwriter D4vd. The Tesla, found abandoned late Monday night in Hollywood, was towed and later searched by investigators, who uncovered the remains in the trunk. Police identified the victim as Celeste Rivas, whose disappearance in April 2024 triggered a months-long search effort across Southern California.

According to law enforcement officials, both Rivas and the artist shared an identical tattoo with the word “Shhh…,” a detail investigators described as “significant” when establishing a connection between the victim and the vehicle. While police have not revealed the cause of death, they confirmed that D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is cooperating with the investigation. As of Wednesday morning, no charges have been filed against him.

Background of the Case

Rivas was last seen leaving her home in East Los Angeles in April 2024. At the time, her disappearance drew considerable attention across the region, spurred by social media campaigns and pressure from advocacy groups focused on missing children. Despite tips from community members and occasional reported sightings, the case went cold after mid-2024.

The discovery now links her absence directly to a prominent figure in the music industry, placing added scrutiny not only on the Hollywood entertainment scene but also on the circumstances surrounding her final months. Detectives have so far not disclosed how long Rivas’s remains had been in the impounded vehicle or when the car was abandoned.

D4vd’s Response and Police Cooperation

Representatives for the 19-year-old singer confirmed he is assisting authorities and has provided access to relevant information. Known for his rapid ascent in the alternative pop and R&B genres, D4vd has seen international success in the last three years, with multiple charting singles and prominent festival appearances.

His legal team issued a brief statement, emphasizing that he has not been detained nor named a suspect. They stressed that he has “nothing to hide” and is “fully committed” to helping investigators uncover the truth. Law enforcement has echoed this description of his cooperation but declined to comment further on whether his relationship to Rivas extended beyond the matching tattoos and registered vehicle.

Impact on the Music Industry

The case has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment community. Fans took to social media early Tuesday, expressing disbelief at the revelation that a vehicle tied to one of the industry’s rising stars is now central to a homicide probe. Some concert organizers and brands associated with the artist have issued cautious statements, closely monitoring developments before taking further action.

This situation bears resemblance to past instances where entertainers have found themselves linked to criminal inquiries, from investigations involving luxury vehicles to cases tied to entourage members. In most historical examples, the cultural and economic fallout has been significant. Concert ticket sales, endorsement deals, and record label commitments often come under immediate strain, regardless of eventual legal outcomes.

Tattoo Connection Raises Questions

The cryptic “Shhh…” tattoo shared by Rivas and D4vd has become a focal point for investigators. Though officials have not elaborated on how or when either party received the mark, its unusual match is considered a potential indication of personal connection. Legal experts note that while shared tattoos can sometimes be symbolic rather than incriminating, they may serve as corroborating details in a broader investigation into personal association.

Community advocates, meanwhile, voiced concern that the tattoo may point toward a relationship that blurred boundaries between a minor and an adult celebrity. Detectives declined to comment on the nature of any interactions between Rivas and the singer, stating that the inquiry is still ongoing.

Regional Context of Missing Teen Cases

Southern California has historically grappled with high-profile missing person cases that later drew national attention. From the 1990s through the 2010s, several victims’ remains were found in vehicles, abandoned lots, or encampments, each sparking renewed scrutiny on how authorities handle missing youth.

In Los Angeles County alone, hundreds of minors are reported missing each year. Statistically, most cases involve family circumstances or runaways, but a smaller proportion result in long-term disappearances and, ultimately, tragic outcomes. Advocates argue Celeste Rivas’s case underscores the need for enhanced tracking technology, stronger community reporting networks, and faster response coordination among agencies.

Timeline of the Discovery

• April 2024: Celeste Rivas disappears after last being seen in East Los Angeles.
• Summer–Fall 2024: Initial leads and public appeals bring no breakthroughs.
• September 2025: Abandoned Tesla registered to D4vd is impounded in Hollywood.
• September 15, 2025: Police discover human remains in the vehicle’s trunk.
• September 17, 2025: Authorities confirm victim’s identity as Rivas and reveal tattoo connection.

This timeline highlights an absence of clarity in the year-long gap between Rivas’s disappearance and the discovery of her body, a period during which little progress was made despite widespread public concern. Authorities have not yet shared information on whether technological evidence, such as GPS tracking or phone records, will play a role in filling this gap.

Public Reaction

Local residents in East Los Angeles reacted with grief at the confirmation of Rivas’s death. Candlelight vigils are already being organized in her neighborhood, where community members recall her as an artistically gifted teenager with an interest in music and design.

Fans of D4vd, many of them teenagers themselves, faced divided emotions online: expressions of support for the singer’s cooperation juxtaposed against anger and disbelief at the proximity of his name to such a disturbing case. Although no criminal charges exist at present, some commentators encouraged greater caution by entertainment figures in their personal relationships and associations.

Economic and Cultural Implications

If the inquiry continues to tie public perception of D4vd to the case, the economic ripple effects could be considerable. The singer’s career trajectory had been on the rise, with streaming numbers climbing steadily and international tours planned for late 2025. Music industry analysts note that even without formal charges, paying audiences may choose to distance themselves from an artist associated with such troubling circumstances.

Sponsors and labels often make financial decisions based on public sentiment, and the uncertainty surrounding an ongoing homicide investigation could complicate future commitments. Similar situations in the past have led to suspended campaigns, postponed tours, and long delays in album releases.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, the Los Angeles Police Department has not disclosed a cause of death or timeline for releasing additional forensic results. Investigators are reportedly awaiting toxicology tests and advanced forensic analysis to determine the conditions under which Rivas died.

Police urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing that the case remains active and sensitive. They also reiterated that no individual has been charged, with all parties entitled to due process as evidence is developed.

A City on Edge

The unexpected recovery of a missing teenager’s remains in such a high-profile context has once again placed Los Angeles under national scrutiny. Known both as a global entertainment capital and a city with a history of unsolved or drawn-out homicide cases, the discovery reflects ongoing challenges at the intersection of celebrity culture, law enforcement, and public safety.

For now, the community awaits the results of forensic analysis and further updates from authorities. Whether this turns into a defining case in Los Angeles’s history of missing person tragedies or another unresolved story will depend on the clarity investigators can bring in the coming weeks.