Decomposed Body Found in Singer D4vd’s Impounded Tesla Identified as 15-Year-Old Girl

Published Time: 09-18-2025, 14:30 EDT

A decomposed body discovered inside a vehicle once belonging to rising musician D4vd has been identified as that of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas. The grim discovery, made earlier this month in Los Angeles, is now the subject of an active investigation by authorities.

Officials say the cause of death has not yet been determined, and law enforcement agencies are coordinating to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

Identity of the Victim Confirmed

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the remains were those of Celeste Rivas, a teenager reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California. According to forensic findings reported by NBC Los Angeles, the victim was identified through medical examination and personal belongings found at the scene.

At the time of recovery, Rivas was described as wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal chain bracelet, and stud earrings. She was said to have wavy black hair and weighed approximately 71 pounds.

Law enforcement sources told NBC News that the remains were not intact, suggesting the body had been inside the car for a prolonged period before discovery.

Discovery at Los Angeles Impound Lot

Authorities revealed that the body was found on September 8 after a foul odor was reported at Hollywood Tow, a vehicle impound facility in Los Angeles. Police discovered the remains inside a Tesla, previously owned by the singer-songwriter D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke).

The Tesla had reportedly been impounded after being reported as abandoned. A police statement confirmed that the vehicle was investigated only after the odor prompted staff to call authorities.

Law Enforcement Statements

In an official statement, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said:

“At this time, the LAPD does not have a crime classification from the coroner as to the mode or manner of death. Thus, we do not have any suspect information at this time.”

Meanwhile, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Rivas was the same juvenile reported missing from Lake Elsinore. In a follow-up, the office clarified that the LAPD remains the lead agency in the investigation and issued an apology for initially labeling the case a homicide before official confirmation from the medical examiner.

D4vd’s Response

D4vd, best known for his breakout hit “Romantic Homicide” and currently on his Withered World Tour, was informed of the tragic discovery. A spokesperson for the artist stated that he is “fully cooperating with authorities” as investigations continue.

The singer had been scheduled to perform in Seattle on the day following the discovery but canceled the concert. His representatives have not commented further on how the car came to be abandoned or impounded.

Ongoing Investigation

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released an official cause of death. Authorities emphasized that until forensic analysis is complete, the manner of death remains undetermined.

Investigators are expected to review missing person reports, examine forensic evidence, and retrace the vehicle’s chain of custody to establish how Rivas came to be inside the Tesla.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in missing persons investigations and underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in California.

Broader Context

According to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), thousands of minors are reported missing in the United States each year. While the majority are safely located, some cases tragically end in unexplained or suspicious circumstances, placing immense pressure on law enforcement and grieving families.

Advocates for missing children emphasize the importance of timely reporting and thorough coordination between local and federal agencies. The tragic discovery of Rivas’s remains is a reminder of how vulnerable young people can be when missing.

What Comes Next

The LAPD has urged anyone with information about Rivas’s disappearance or the Tesla’s whereabouts before its impoundment to come forward. No arrests have been made, and officials stress that the case remains open and active.

As investigations continue, the public awaits clarity on the circumstances of Rivas’s death and whether criminal charges may follow.