The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office identified the body found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, a missing girl from Lake Elsinore. Rivas had been reported missing since May 2024, after multiple previous instances of running away. The cause of death is currently listed as 'deferred,' pending further investigation.
The discovery was made on September 8th in a Hollywood tow yard. Police responded to reports of a foul odor emanating from the vehicle, which had been impounded after being found abandoned. Rivas' body was found inside a bag in the trunk, showing signs of decomposition. Sources suggest she had been deceased for a considerable time.
Following the discovery, a Hollywood home near where the Tesla was abandoned was searched by LAPD investigators. A computer and other items were seized as evidence. Residents reported seeing the distinctive Tesla parked in the vicinity for a period before its abandonment.
The Tesla is registered to 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, a popular singer with millions of monthly Spotify listeners. D4vd's Wednesday show in Seattle was canceled, though he is scheduled to perform in Los Angeles later this month. Neither D4vd nor his representatives have issued public statements regarding the investigation, though social media activity has been limited.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to interview individuals connected to both Rivas and the vehicle. Rivas is described as having wavy black hair, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 71 pounds. She was wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and metal stud earrings at the time of discovery. A tattoo reading 'Shhh...' was noted on her right index finger.
This tragic event underscores the importance of reporting missing persons and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in solving complex investigations.
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Originally published at: https://abc7.com/post/body-found-d4vds-abandoned-tesla-may-tied-lake-elsinore-missing-persons-case/17835135/
