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Nardine Saadin Los Angeles
Confidentiality Order Restricts Release of Details in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
Authorities have imposed a court-ordered confidentiality restriction on the records concerning the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside the vehicle of singer D4vd. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that no information about the circumstances of her death will be publicly disclosed or uploaded to their website due to this legal mandate.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) requested this security hold to ensure that law enforcement personnel receive critical information from the Medical Examiner prior to any public dissemination. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Odey Ukpo, Chief Medical Examiner, noted that such security holds are exceptionally rare in other jurisdictions and have not demonstrated a clear benefit in judicial proceedings. “While we strive for transparency with the community, the current court order legally restricts us from sharing details at this time,” Dr. Ukpo emphasized.
Discovery and Investigation: Timeline and Context
On September 8, 2024, officers responded to reports of a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from a Hollywood tow yard, where they found the decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez concealed in the trunk of a Tesla. The vehicle had been impounded after being abandoned in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood five days earlier.
Celeste, a resident of Lake Elsinore, California, had been reported missing since April 2024. According to a missing person flyer referenced by CBS and the BBC’s US news partner, she had a history of running away from home multiple times.
The Tesla was registered to David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, a 20-year-old singer who had recently released his debut album in April and was actively touring when the remains were found. Although he has not publicly addressed the situation, his representatives have confirmed his cooperation with law enforcement.
The LAPD’s robbery-homicide division is leading the investigation, and no arrests have been made to date.
Forensic Findings and Personal Details
The medical examiner reported that Celeste’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating she had been deceased for several weeks prior to discovery. At the time she was found, she was dressed in a tube top, small-sized black leggings, and adorned with jewelry including a yellow metal stud earring and a yellow metal chain bracelet.
Notably, she bore a tattoo on her index finger that read “Shhh…,” a marking strikingly similar to one on D4vd’s own finger. This detail has drawn significant attention amid the ongoing inquiry.
Community Impact and Family Response
Celeste was known locally as the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and was often seen by neighbors visiting a nearby convenience store to purchase candy and soda. Her family has expressed profound grief over the loss, describing her as a cherished daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.
In the wake of her passing, her loved ones initiated a crowdfunding campaign to cover funeral expenses, with the service held in October 2024. The tragedy has deeply affected the community and those close to her.
Repercussions for D4vd’s Career and Industry Response
The unfolding investigation has significantly disrupted the rising trajectory of D4vd’s music career. His global tour was abruptly canceled shortly after the discovery of Celeste’s remains, and Sony Music Publishing reportedly halted promotional activities for his anticipated second album.
Law enforcement conducted a search of the singer’s upscale Hollywood Hills residence, located mere blocks from where the Tesla was impounded. Additionally, major brands have distanced themselves from the artist: US retailer Hollister and footwear company Crocs have removed him from their marketing campaigns, while singer Kali Uchis withdrew their collaborative track “Crashing” from circulation.
