In September 2025, the remains of a missing 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas, were discovered in a Tesla owned by singer-songwriter d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. The case drew widespread attention after Rivas’ mother spoke out, alleging a connection between her daughter and the musician—and pointing to details like tattoos and possible song references. Months after being named a person of interest, Burke was arrested in April 2026 in connection with Rivas’ death, though he has denied any involvement.
Here’s what we know about how the two may have known each other.
Who Is d4vd?
D4vd (real name: David) is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter known for his hits “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” both of which went viral on TikTok. He was born in Queens, New York City, and grew up in Houston, Texas.
Who Was Celeste Rivas?
Rivas was a 14-year-old who went missing in April 2024. At the time, the Lake Elsinore, California, resident was 13, according to multiple outlets.
The body found in a towed Tesla that was registered to the singer D4vd has been identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, according to officials. https://t.co/yAPc3p8k3F pic.twitter.com/9tSsMTZJO2
— ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2025
Did d4vd & Celeste Rivas Know Each Other?
It remains unclear whether d4vd and Rivas had a confirmed relationship, and authorities have not publicly detailed how or if the two knew each other.
The singer has not addressed speculation about an alleged connection. However, multiple reports have pointed to potential links, including claims that the two may have had similar “Shhh” tattoos on their fingers, though this has not been independently verified. Additionally, Rivas’ mother told TMZ that her daughter had a boyfriend named David in 2024 — before she went missing.
Moreover, rumors circulated over a leaked song of d4vd’s titled, “Celeste_Demo unfin” when it was released in late 2023. In the track, d4vd mentions a girl named Celeste more than once.
“Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest,” he sings in one verse of the unreleased song. “Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath / I’m obsessed.” In a separate verse, he sings, “Oh, Celeste / Afraid you’ll only love me when undressed / But you look so damn gorgeous in that dress.”
D4vd was also seen near Rivas’ home shortly before she disappeared in April 2024, according to multiple outlets.
How Did Celeste Rivas Die?
Officials have now confirmed how Celeste Rivas Hernandez died. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that the 14-year-old’s death was caused by “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)” and ruled it a homicide.
According to the report, Rivas sustained two penetrating wounds to her torso, along with additional injuries. Investigators also noted that her remains were found in September 2025 in an advanced state of decomposition, which initially complicated efforts to determine the cause of death.
“A deputy medical examiner conducted an examination of Ms. Rivas Hernandez on September 10, 2025, at the DME’s Forensic Science Center,” the release said. “The cause and manner of death were determined December 9, 2025.”
In April 2026, authorities arrested d4vd in connection with the case. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and additional felony counts, and is being held without bail. He has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains ongoing.
