Introduction to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Life
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was just one of the kids in her neighborhood in Lake Elsinore, an Inland Empire community that for generations has drawn young families looking for a piece of suburbia far from the high prices and drama of the big city. She visited the corner store almost every day with her friends, wearing a backpack and her usual long, curly black hair. She got candy, soda and Takis. She was a familiar face to neighbors and local business owners.
The Mysterious Disappearances
But there was something playing out in her world that she kept to herself. Last year, she disappeared over Valentine’s Day. It was the first of many episodes of her running away from home, something that brought tensions in her household and worry in her community. According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department records, Celeste was reported missing three times by her family, in three incidents that occurred in early 2024 and sparked multiple calls with local police. Her mother made emotional pleas on Facebook for her to come home. Neighbors saw missing posts on local streets. Her family sought video surveillance from their neighborhood that could yield clues.
The Discovery of Celeste’s Body
Then in early September, the Los Angeles Police Department announced her decomposing body had been found inside the trunk of a Tesla owned by singer D4vd. The vehicle was found parked on a street in an upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood where 20-year-old D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was renting a home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said Celeste was declared dead on Sept. 8, one day after her birthday. But authorities believe she had been dead for weeks before she was discovered and likely did not see her 15th birthday.
Investigation and Connection to D4vd
Police are now trying to connect her life in sleepy Lake Elsinore to her death in one of Los Angeles’ celebrity-studded neighborhoods. And they are seeking to understand any connections between Celeste and D4vd. Law enforcement sources said detectives are reviewing videos that appear to show her alongside D4vd. They have also obtained some photos of them apparently together, according to the sources, who were not authorized to discuss the details of the case publicly. Authorities have not determined how she died, and police said Burke was cooperating.
Community Reaction and Vigil
In Lake Elsinore, people who knew Celeste are grieving and want answers. “Everybody in the community is sad, not just the children,” said Elie Naddaf, owner of a corner store in Celeste’s neighborhood. “You can see it with anyone that comes here.” A vigil in Lake Elsinore to remember Celeste Rivas Hernandez was held, where community residents gathered to pay their respects.
How Celeste Met D4vd
How Celeste met Burke remains unclear. Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation say they met online. Burke gained an online following by posting “Fortnite” clips to YouTube and pivoted to making his own music. He was signed to a record label by 2022. Celeste grew up in Lake Elsinore, a first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, and attended Lakeland Village School.
Burke’s Reaction and Investigation
Burke was on tour when Celeste’s body was found on Sept. 8 and he canceled the remaining dates of his North American tour when she was identified. While Burke amassed a following on social media over the last several years with his music, he has remained silent about Celeste’s death. Representatives for Burke did not respond to repeated requests for comment and representatives for his music label, Darkroom and Interscope, could not be reached. It’s unclear if the Los Angeles Police Department interviewed Burke. At this time, police say they do not know if there is “any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.” Celeste’s cause of death has been deferred pending further tests.
Previous Disappearances and Family Concerns
People who knew the family were perplexed at what went wrong. Celeste had run away before and always came back, said Rubi Alonso, a friend of Celeste’s mother, Mercedes Martinez. But something changed in August. She said she spoke to Martinez and, in the brief conversation, Celeste’s mother told her she was gone. “She’s left me again,” Celeste’s mother told Alonso, whose son went to kindergarten with Celeste. She remained close friends with the family over the years, often talking to Martinez and sometimes offering advice.
Conclusion
The mysterious disappearance and death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have left her family and community with many unanswered questions. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember Celeste as a vibrant and young individual who deserves justice. The case highlights the importance of addressing the issues that lead to such tragic events and ensuring that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.
FAQs
- Who was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California, who was reported missing multiple times before her body was found in the trunk of a Tesla owned by singer D4vd. - How did Celeste meet D4vd?
According to law enforcement sources, Celeste and D4vd met online. - What was the cause of Celeste’s death?
The cause of Celeste’s death has been deferred pending further tests. - Is D4vd cooperating with the investigation?
Yes, according to police, D4vd is cooperating with the investigation. - What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and police are trying to connect Celeste’s life in Lake Elsinore to her death in Los Angeles and understand any connections between Celeste and D4vd.
