Lake Elsinore vigil for Celeste Rivas Hernandez as investigation into D4vd-linked case continues

Lake Elsinore, Calif. — Lake Elsinore residents gathered Sunday evening around 7 p.m. local time for a vigil in memory of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 15-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to alt-R&B singer D4vd. The community had already placed a makeshift memorial on the street she once lived on, filled with flowers and messages from loved ones.

Law enforcement and family members described Sunday’s gathering as a show of support and mourning as investigators pursue leads in a case that has drawn national attention. Organizers Esmeralda Lozano and Gisel Vera said on a GoFundMe page that Celeste was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend, and they asked for support to help lay her body to rest. The vigil drew relatives, neighbors and classmates who remembered the shy teen as someone who loved music and friends, and who had a bright smile that lit up her community.

The event occurred as details about Celeste's death emerged from the broader investigation surrounding a car linked to the performer known as D4vd.

Officials say the body was found Sept. 8 inside a Tesla sedan in an impound lot in the Hollywood Hills. The car is registered to 20-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd. Celeste was 13 when she vanished in 2024, and police have said she likely died when she was 14, given the decomposition. The body was wrapped in plastic, and authorities noted the odor from the car helped prompt investigators to inspect the trunk.

Investigators described the remains as severely decomposed, making precise identification and a determination of time of death challenging. The case has drawn attention to the mechanisms by which missing-person cases linked to public figures are handled and how communities respond to such tragedies.

TMZ reported that Celeste had a tattoo on her right index finger that read 'Shhh…,' similar to a tattoo D4vd has, though the ink is not unique to him and has appeared on other celebrities. The appearance of the ink has been cited by fans and media as part of the broader public interest surrounding the case.

On the business side, D4vd canceled the remainder of his tour amid the investigation. The cancellations affected upcoming shows in Los Angeles and Europe, including a planned appearance in Norway. A spokesperson said Burke is cooperating with authorities and that the decision to pause the tour was made to focus on the investigation.

A GoFundMe page created by local organizers has raised funds to help Celeste's family cover funeral expenses and related costs, with organizers reiterating that donations will support those closest to the teen. The page describes Celeste as a beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend and notes that the family appreciates any support during this difficult time.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not publicly named a suspect. Community leaders and residents have emphasized the need for transparency and accountability as they continue to mourn Celeste and seek justice for her family.