Celeste Rivas’ body was discovered in a car owned by rapper D4vd in a state described as “partially frozen,” according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The teenager, who had been missing for more than a year, was found dismembered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the musician on September 8 in the Hollywood Hills area of California. The abandoned car, which had been left unattended for about a month, was impounded leading to the grim revelation.
Recent reports have indicated that D4vd is now a suspect in the case, but allegedly, he is not cooperating with the authorities. Sources now suggest that due to the condition of Celeste’s body at the time of discovery, the cause of death might remain undetermined.
Sources speaking to TMZ disclosed that the medical examiner received the body without a head, while the torso remained intact, and the limbs had been severed and cut into multiple pieces. All body parts were reportedly in a state of partial freezing and were thawing out inside the singer’s Tesla.
It was also stated that following the discovery, investigators were initially uncertain of the gender of the body. Originally considered a victim of an “apparent homicide,” the medical examiner is currently struggling to ascertain the cause or manner of death.
Sources have indicated that the cause of death will likely be classified as ‘undetermined.’ Nonetheless, the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division is treating the case as a homicide investigation, enabling them to proceed with potential arrests.
In a similar development earlier in the week, a law enforcement source informed People that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is not cooperating with the investigation and has shown no willingness to engage with authorities. The extent of the alleged crimes involving him and any possible accomplices remains uncertain.
“We are investigating whether her death was a homicide or another circumstance,” the source revealed, mentioning that springtime is the closest timeframe they have for determining the time of death. D4vd’s spokesperson had previously mentioned to NBC Los Angeles that the artist was fully cooperating with the investigation.
Following the discovery of Celeste’s body, D4vd cancelled the remaining shows on his tour and his spokesperson confirmed that he was collaborating with law enforcement. The LAPD, in a statement to The Mirror US, stated that detectives had executed a search warrant in connection with the case on September 17, 2025, recovering several pieces of evidence for analysis.
The Mirror has reached out to D4vd’s representatives and the LAPD for comment on the matter.