Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez (2010–2025) was a 14-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, California, whose death in 2025 became a focal point of a major criminal investigation in Los Angeles. Her remains were discovered inside a vehicle belonging to the prominent musician David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd. As of April 2026, Burke faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Background of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and Her Initial Disappearance

Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a middle school student known by her family and peers for her vibrant personality and interest in performing arts. Her domestic history in the year leading up to her death was marked by several reported disappearances. According to records from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Rivas was reported missing by her family on three separate occasions in early 2024.

The final reported instance of her running away occurred in April 2024. While she briefly contacted her family in May 2024, communication ceased thereafter. Despite being missing from her family home, digital evidence and surveillance footage recovered by investigators suggested that she remained alive through at least January 2025. During this period, she was allegedly residing in various locations within the Hollywood Hills area.

The Relationship Between Celeste Rivas and David Burke

The investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez revealed a complex connection between the 14-year-old and David Burke, who was 20 years old at the peak of their interaction. Investigators believe the two initially met online, specifically through a Discord server dedicated to Burke’s music and community.

Evidence surfaced suggesting a significant level of familiarity between the two:

  • Digital Interaction: Users on Burke's official Discord server recalled an individual using the handle "Celeste" who was frequently associated with Burke as early as 2022.
  • Matching Tattoos: Reports indicate that Rivas and Burke shared matching tattoos. Specifically, a tattoo reading “shhh…” on the right index finger was identified on Rivas’s remains and was also seen in photographs of Burke.
  • Family Testimony: Rivas’s mother later informed media outlets and investigators that her daughter had mentioned a boyfriend named "David." Rivas’s brother also claimed to have seen her being picked up by Burke in his vehicle prior to her final disappearance.

Discovery of Remains in a Towed Vehicle

On September 8, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call from a tow yard in Hollywood regarding a foul odor emanating from an impounded vehicle. The car, a Tesla, was registered to David Anthony Burke.

The vehicle had been cited for a parking violation on Bluebird Avenue in the Hollywood Hills on September 3, 2025, after exceeding the 72-hour parking limit. It was subsequently towed on September 5. Upon inspection at the yard, authorities discovered heavily decomposed human remains stored in black bags inside the front trunk (frunk) of the car.

Forensic identification confirmed the remains were those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez on September 16, 2025. The date of the discovery was notably one day after what would have been her 15th birthday.

Forensic Findings and Autopsy Results

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office conducted a comprehensive examination, though the findings were initially placed under a security hold at the request of law enforcement to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The hold was eventually lifted in April 2026 following Burke’s arrest.

Cause and Manner of Death

The autopsy report (Case No. 2025-14252) officially ruled the death a homicide. The specific cause of death was identified as "multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)." The examination detailed two primary penetrating wounds to the torso, which caused significant damage to the liver and ribs.

State of the Remains

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators estimated that Rivas died several months prior to her discovery, likely around April 23, 2025. The report also confirmed that the body had been dismembered, with bilateral dismemberment of both upper and lower extremities.

Toxicology Report

A toxicology analysis performed on liver tissue revealed:

  • Ethanol: Low levels of ethanol were detected, which investigators noted could be attributed to postmortem changes rather than ingestion.
  • Other Substances: Initial screenings showed "presumptive positive" results for benzodiazepines, methamphetamines, and MDMA. However, subsequent confirmatory testing for MDMA and benzodiazepines was negative, and other results were deemed inconclusive due to interfering substances.

Investigation and Search Warrants

Following the discovery of the body, the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division executed search warrants at a property in the Hollywood Hills where Burke had been residing.

Significant findings during the investigation included:

  • Seizure of Electronics: Computers and other digital storage devices were taken for forensic analysis to reconstruct the communication between Burke and Rivas.
  • The "Burn Cage": A private investigator hired by the property owner reported the presence of an incinerator or "burn cage" on the premises, though its direct link to the crime remains a subject of court proceedings.
  • Travel Records: Investigators tracked Burke’s movements, focusing on a trip to Santa Barbara County in the spring of 2025, which they believe may have coincided with the timing of the homicide.

Criminal Charges Against David Burke

In April 2026, David Anthony Burke was arrested and formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. The prosecution's case rests on the theory that Burke murdered Rivas to prevent her from exposing an illegal sexual relationship that would have ended his burgeoning music career.

Specific Counts

Burke faces several severe charges:

  1. First-Degree Murder: With special circumstance allegations.
  2. Lewd and Lascivious Acts: Involving a minor under the age of 14.
  3. Mutilation of Human Remains: Relating to the dismemberment of the body.

Special Circumstances

The prosecution has filed for special circumstances that, if proven, would make Burke eligible for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. These include:

  • Lying in Wait: Alleging the murder was committed by ambush or through a position of trust.
  • Financial Gain: Alleging the motive was to protect his commercial interests and music career.
  • Witness Killing: Alleging Rivas was killed because she was a potential witness to previous criminal acts (the sexual abuse).

Legal Defense and Current Status

David Burke has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His legal team, which includes high-profile criminal defense attorneys, has stated that evidence will demonstrate he was not responsible for the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. As of the latest court updates, Burke remains in custody without bail at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Summary of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case

The case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez represents a tragic intersection of social media risks, the exploitation of minors, and high-profile criminal litigation. From her disappearance in Lake Elsinore to the grim discovery in Hollywood, the timeline spans over two years of investigation.

  • Victim: Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez, age 14.
  • Suspect: David Anthony Burke (D4vd), age 21 at the time of charges.
  • Key Date of Death: Estimated April 23, 2025.
  • Discovery Date: September 8, 2025.
  • Legal Status: Trial pending; defendant held without bail.

The outcome of the preliminary hearings and the subsequent trial will determine the legal resolution for one of Los Angeles' most publicized homicide cases in recent years.

FAQ

What was the cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

The official cause of death was multiple penetrating injuries to the torso. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

How was the body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez found?

Her remains were found in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to David Burke. The discovery was made after tow yard workers reported a foul odor.

Who is David Burke (D4vd)?

David Burke is an American singer-songwriter known professionally as D4vd. He rose to fame with hits like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here with Me" before being charged in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

What are the "special circumstances" in the charges against Burke?

The special circumstances include lying in wait, committing the murder for financial gain (to protect his career), and killing a witness. These factors significantly increase the potential severity of the sentencing.

When did Celeste Rivas Hernandez go missing?

She was reported missing multiple times in early 2024, with the final report occurring in April 2024. She remained missing until her remains were identified in September 2025.