Remains of teen found in singer D4vd's Tesla released to family as investigation continues
Los Angeles police continue examining the death of Celeste Rivas, while officials say remains were released to her survivors and no charges have been filed against the artist.
Celeste Rivas, a 14-year-old who was reported missing in May 2024, has had her remains released to her family from the Los Angeles County coroner's office, a move confirmed to TMZ on Tuesday. Officials with the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office told TMZ that the family may retrieve the remains as investigators continue to probe the death linked to a vehicle once owned by the musician known as D4vd. The case has drawn attention as authorities describe the discovery of the remains inside a Tesla tied to the artist in Hollywood earlier this month.
Rivas's remains were found inside the impounded vehicle after it was towed to a Hollywood tow yard, with officials describing significant decomposition that suggested the body had been in the car for some time. The discovery came a day before what would have been Rivas's 15th birthday. Authorities have said the death is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, and the car was linked to the musician whose stage name is D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.
Police officers carried out a raid at D4vd's Hollywood Hills home on Wednesday in search of evidence, including potential blood evidence, in connection with the case. As of Tuesday afternoon, D4vd had not been formally charged with any crime related to the death, according to routine reporting. Investigators have not disclosed a motive, and a spokesperson for the LAPD declined to comment beyond confirming the ongoing inquiry.
Public and online discussions have also centered on imagery and content tied to the artist in the months leading up to Rivas's death. A photo that surfaced last week shows D4vd and Rivas seated together in a green booth at a venue, with D4vd wearing a black shirt bearing a white spider graphic. The same shirt appears in a 2023 photograph in which D4vd posed with Billie Eilish, underscoring the intertwining of his public persona with the broader entertainment landscape during that period. Police removed multiple bags of evidence and a computer from the residence during the search, according to people familiar with the scene.
Earlier, a January 2024 livestream showed both individuals together on screen, with Rivas encouraging D4vd to answer a viewer’s question. Brayan, a content creator who posted a chopping-video clip that resurfaced in coverage of the case, issued a statement saying he did not intend to draw a direct link between his clip and D4vd.
Online interest extended to a December 2023 track titled Celeste_Demo unfin, which included lyrics that appear to reference a girl named Celeste. Some listeners noted lines describing an obsession and a relationship, and observers speculated about potential connections to Rivas. However, there is no confirmation that the song is about the teenager, and analysts caution against drawing conclusions from artistic work alone when investigating a real-world death.
As investigators review digital footprints, including social-media posts, streams, and lyrics, officials have emphasized that no charges have been filed in connection with the death and that the investigation remains active. The case has prompted renewed discussion about the responsibilities of artists and the reach of online platforms in shaping public perception during unfolding criminal inquiries.