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A private investigator has offered new insight into the mysterious death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose cause of death remains officially undetermined. 

The teenager’s decomposed and dismembered body was found last month in a Tesla registered to 20-year-old musician D4vd, whose real name is David Burke.

While Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigators have not classified the case as a homicide, private investigator Steve Fischer — hired by the owner of the Hollywood Hills home where D4vd had been staying — believes the evidence may point toward an accidental drug overdose.

“They are probably relying on toxicology to better understand what happened, which means it could be an accidental overdose with a really bad decision made afterwards,” Fischer told ABC7 Eyewitness News.

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Disturbing Discovery in Hollywood

The gruesome discovery occurred on September 8, when workers at an impound lot in Hollywood noticed a strong odor emanating from a Tesla that had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. Police found a decomposing body stuffed inside a bag in the vehicle’s front trunk.

The remains were so decomposed that authorities took over a week to identify the body, eventually confirming it was that of Celeste Rivas, who had been missing for more than a year. The car had not been reported stolen, and D4vd has not been arrested or named a suspect in connection with her death.

Clues Linking Rivas and D4vd

Investigators have uncovered multiple connections between D4vd and Rivas. The pair reportedly shared matching tattoos, and Rivas’ mother said her daughter’s boyfriend was named David. Adding to the intrigue, an unreleased love song written by D4vd references a woman named “Celeste” in both the title and lyrics.

Police have since raided a residence linked to D4vd and confirmed he has since moved out of the property. According to Fischer, the home was rented by the singer’s manager through Interscope Records.

“He wants to understand exactly what may have happened and if his house played a role in any way,” Fischer explained to Eyewitness News.

LAPD and Coroner’s Office Continue Investigation

Despite public speculation, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet determined the cause or manner of death. The LAPD released a statement emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation:

“The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of Ms. Rivas Hernandez’s death. As such, it remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body,” the department said.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of an accidental death, pending toxicology results.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell added in an interview with ABC News:

“It’s an ongoing investigation, and we have a lot of resources dedicated to bringing it to a conclusion, but to go beyond what has already been made public would be inappropriate.”

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Timeline and Possible Cause of Death

Fischer said the last confirmed time Celeste was seen alive was January 2, 2025. He noted that the Tesla appeared in various locations around the neighborhood beginning in May, before being abandoned in late July — just before D4vd left on tour.

As the toxicology tests continue, questions remain about what happened to the teenager and how her body ended up inside the vehicle. Whether this tragedy was the result of an overdose or foul play, investigators say they are determined to find the truth and deliver justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.