Introduction to the Case
The decomposed body found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to a popular singer and later impounded in the Hollywood Hills was that of a 15-year-old girl who went missing in Lake Elsinore last year.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified her Wednesday, Sept. 17, as Celeste Rivas.
Identification and Cause of Death
The cause of death was listed as deferred. Her remains were discovered Sept. 8 in the Tesla, which had been towed to a city police yard. The car was registered to singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, who is on his U.S. “Withered” tour and scheduled to perform at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Background on the Discovery
Earlier, the medical examiner revealed the girl, who had last been seen April 5, 2024, had the letters “Shhh” tattooed on her right index finger. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the vehicle was impounded and towed to the tow yard by the city Department of Transportation because it was “parked on a public street for more than 72 hours.” The car is believed to have been parked in the Hollywood Hills. Investigators said the Tesla had been parked for nearly a month. After it was impounded, workers at the tow yard and neighbors reported a strong odor coming from the car, leading to the discovery of the remains.
Condition of the Remains
According to various reports, the remains were dismembered and severely decomposed, and were found inside a bag in the trunk. “The decedent was found severely decomposed inside a vehicle,” according to a Medical Examiner’s Office statement that said she was wearing a tube top and size small black leggings, with a yellow metal stud earring and a metal chain bracelet. “She appears to have been deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period of time before being found.”
Cooperation with Investigators
A representative for Burke said the singer was informed of the discovery and is fully cooperating with investigators.
Conclusion
The case of the 15-year-old girl found dead in D4vd’s Tesla is a tragic and disturbing incident that has raised many questions. The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of death is still pending. The community is left to mourn the loss of a young life and to wonder how such a horrific crime could occur.
FAQs
- Q: Who was the girl found dead in the Tesla?
A: The girl was identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas from Lake Elsinore. - Q: How was the body discovered?
A: The body was discovered after the Tesla, registered to singer D4vd, was impounded and towed to a city police yard due to being parked on a public street for more than 72 hours. - Q: What was the condition of the remains?
A: The remains were severely decomposed and dismembered, found inside a bag in the trunk of the Tesla. - Q: Is the singer cooperating with the investigation?
A: Yes, a representative for D4vd stated that the singer is fully cooperating with investigators. - Q: When was the girl last seen?
A: Celeste Rivas was last seen on April 5, 2024.
Originally Published: September 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM PDT
