Celeste Rivas was missing for nearly a year – then her body was found in musician D4vd’s car

A timeline of how the story has unfolded


In the last couple of weeks, the world has been hooked since a decomposing body was found in the boot of Tesla belonging to musician, D4vd. So far, what happened is still a mystery.

The body was later identified as Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old who is thought to have connections to 20-year-old D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke. Her death is being treated as a homicide. What remains unclear is what happened to her, how she ended up there, and who did it.

15-year-old Celeste Rivas went missing in 2024

Celeste Rivas

via Local police

Celeste Rivas was reported as missing on April 5th 2024, when she was 13. This wasn’t the first time she had been reported missing. Celeste was reported missing on Valentine’s Day 2024, when she was also 13.

In September 2025, a body was found decomposing in the boot of a Tesla belonging to D4vd

On September 8th 2025, a severely decomposed body was found in the boot of a Tesla at Hollywood Tow. Someone had reported an odour coming from the car, and authorities were sent to investigate. The body, that was found in a bag, was identified as being that of Celeste Rivas.

“The decedent was found severely decomposed inside a vehicle,” a statement from the medical examiner’s office said. “She appears to have been deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period of time before being found.”

The car was found impounded, and according to LA Times, had been abandoned there five days earlier. Her body has since been returned to her family, so a memorial can take place.

Then creepy links started to emerge

After the body was confirmed as being Celeste, it was reported she had a tattoo on her index finger that said “Shhh…”. Recent photos of D4vd show he has the same tattoo, on the same right index finger. From there, people began to question a possible link between the two.

Additionally, a 2024 song recorded by D4vd, which leaked recently, reportedly mentioned someone named Celeste. Authorities have not confirmed a connection. The song is titled Celeste, and was allegedly recorded by D4vd and producer Scott James “in late 2023”. Lyrics include: “Oh, Celeste, the girl with my name tattooed on her chest”, and “I’m obsessed, oh, Celeste.”

That’s not the only dark music to have resurfaced. D4vd also has a song called “Romantic Homicide” and people have been sharing the lyrics. Lyrics from the chorus include: “In the back of my mind, I killed you, and I didn’t even regret it. I can’t believe I said it, but it’s true. I hate you.”

In November 2022, D4vd did an interview with Genius, and broke down the lyrics of Romantic Homicide. He said a key part of his music is that the lyrics are up for interpretation. “I didn’t kill her physically, but in the back of my mind she died,” he said.

Then, an interview where D4vd detailed his murderous alter ego resurfaced. In the interview, D4vd discussed writing his own manga about an “agent of chaos” detective who solved the murders he also committed. In it, his name translated to “pain.”

D4vd was also seen to have reposted a TikTok video, in which a man cut up meat with the caption: “Me if I see her talk with other dudes.”

Celeste’s family have spoken out

Following the identification of Celeste’s body, her family issued a statement via a GoFundMe campaign page which was set up to help cover funeral costs. They wrote: “She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”

Celeste’s mother also told TMZ that her daughter had a boyfriend named David, though further details were not provided.

A house D4vd was staying at has been searched

Amid the investigation, a home in the Hollywood Hills where D4vd had been living has been searched. TMZ reported law enforcement sources said a 12 hour search of the home was completed, and used luminol to search for traces of blood. The publication has claimed a computer was seized, alongside hair samples.

It’s also been claimed by neighbours that the home had security cameras set up so that nobody could enter or leave the property without it being caught on film.

D4vd has cancelled tour dates, and his label has ditched promotions

At the time the body was discovered, D4vd had been on tour. At first, he continued with some scheduled dates. Once the body was identified, all scheduled tour dates for the Withered Tour were pulled. UK tour dates, including ones at the Roundhouse in London and some in Glasgow, have now all been cancelled as the investigation continues.

D4vd has also been dropped by a number of brands who have collabs with him, whilst the investigation takes place. As well as this, his label has since axed the promotion of his music. D4vd was due to drop new music last week, but this never happened.

As of now, there have been no arrests

Tesla belonging to D4vd

via KTLA

As it stands, police are said to be investigating if there are any links between the singer and Celeste. D4vd is cooperating with authorities, but no arrests have been made. There are no named suspects.

According to LA Times, right now police are trying to determine Celeste’s movements before her body was found. They are looking into photos posted online, and whatever was found in the home in the Hollywood Hills – where D4vd lived.

The Tab has previously reached out to D4vd for comment, but he is yet to address the case.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook. Featured image via Daniel DeSlover/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock and police. 

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