The tragic discovery of a decomposing body in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd has sent shockwaves through the music industry and law enforcement. Authorities have identified the deceased as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, a missing teenager from Lake Elsinore, California. Rivas, who was just 13 when she vanished on April 5th, 2024, was found inside the trunk of the impounded vehicle on September 8th. The grim discovery was made by police officers responding to reports of a foul odor emanating from the Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office released a description of the remains, noting the victim was approximately 5ft 2in (157cm) tall, with wavy black hair and a distinctive tattoo on her right index finger reading "Shhh." She was wearing a tube top and black leggings at the time of her death. The condition of the remains indicated the young woman had been deceased for a considerable period. While the cause and exact time of death remain undetermined, law enforcement sources suggest the body showed signs of decomposition consistent with an extended timeframe.
The Tesla, bearing a Texas license plate, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days prior to its impoundment. Authorities believe the vehicle likely sat in the tow yard for a couple of days before the discovery. The car's registered owner is 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, professionally known as the rising star D4vd, whose viral hits "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide" catapulted him to fame. D4vd, who released his debut album in April, was on tour at the time of the discovery, and a scheduled show in Seattle was subsequently cancelled. Law enforcement officials have stated that D4vd is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The case remains under active investigation, and further details are expected as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas' death. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding missing persons cases and the importance of community involvement in locating missing individuals.
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Originally published at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceq27zdzgrqo
