Authorities in Los Angeles have made a major shift in the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her decomposing remains were found inside a Tesla belonging to 20-year-old singer D4vd.

 The case, which has captured national attention, now appears to be entering a new phase as police reclassify the probe and reconsider the artist’s role in the teen’s tragic death.

For background coverage and related updates, readers can view reporting from the Los Angeles Times, ABC News, and other outlets following the investigation.

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A Disturbing Discovery in a Hollywood Impound Lot

The case began on September 8, when workers at a Hollywood impound lot reported a strong odor coming from a Tesla that had been towed after being left abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
Inside the vehicle’s front trunk, police made a horrific discovery: a badly decomposed body sealed in a bag.

It took authorities more than a week to identify the remains as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a young teen who had been missing for over a year. Her mother later told investigators that her daughter had a boyfriend named David—matching D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.

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“The remains were so decomposed that it took more than a week to determine who she was,” one investigator said, emphasizing the severity of the decomposition.

Evidence Connected to D4vd Raises New Questions

Early in the probe, LAPD repeatedly stated that the death had not yet been ruled a homicide, largely because the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner could not determine a cause of death.

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But new developments have drastically changed the tone.

A private investigator searching a home connected to D4vd found what he described as “items that could be used to get rid of a person.” Police also raided a residence tied to the artist, though they have not disclosed the full extent of what was seized.

Adding to public scrutiny are signs of a personal relationship between the singer and the victim, including their matching tattoos and the artist’s decision to cancel the remainder of his world tour.

There is also an unreleased love song written by D4vd that references the name of “Celeste” in the unfinished title and twice in the lyrics.

LAPD Reclassifies the Case as a Murder Investigation

The most dramatic turn came this week, when the Los Angeles Times reported that Det. Joshua Byers of the elite Robbery Homicide Division filed a declaration describing the probe as “an investigation into murder.”

This marks the first time police have officially characterized the case as a homicide investigation.

In its most recent public statement, the LAPD said:

“RHD is thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.”

Police also revealed that D4vd is now a suspect—a significant change from earlier months in which he was not considered one. Although authorities once suggested the artist was cooperating, new reporting indicates he has “not been cooperative at any point.”

D4vd has now hired a high-profile defense attorney.

Unanswered Questions Ahead

Despite the shift, investigators still lack an official cause of death. But with the LAPD now labeling the case a potential homicide and naming D4vd as a suspect, the investigation appears to be intensifying.

As one official noted, “This case has changed in a significant way.”