Celeste Rivas-Hernandez's Cause of Death May Remain Unknown After Being Found in Car Tied to D4VD

Authorities are facing new challenges in the disturbing case surrounding Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, as the condition of her recovered remains has created unexpected hurdles for investigators searching for answers.

The investigation into the tragic death of 19-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez has reached a troubling impasse, as officials now believe her cause of death may never be conclusively determined.

Her body, discovered in the trunk of singer D4vd's Tesla, was found in a condition so severe that the L.A. County Medical Examiner may ultimately list the manner of death as "undetermined."

Sources who spoke exclusively to TMZ revealed that the Medical Examiner received Rivas-Hernandez's remains in "horrendous condition." Her body had been decapitated, her limbs removed and cut into multiple pieces. While her torso remained intact, the remains were partially frozen before they were placed inside the vehicle.

Rivas-Hernandez's body was inside the Tesla for several days as it sat parked on a Hollywood Hills street near a rental home associated with D4vd. The car was eventually towed, which led to the discovery of her remains.

Because the body had been frozen, examiners now believe they may never be able to determine exactly how she died. Although the initial assessment categorized the case as an "apparent homicide," sources say the Medical Examiner's Office is struggling to identify an official cause or manner of death, adding, "It will most likely be 'undetermined.'"

Investigators Still Treating the Case as a Homicide

Despite the likelihood of an inconclusive medical ruling, authorities are pushing forward. According to those connected to the investigation, the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division continues to treat Rivas-Hernandez's death as a homicide. Even without a definitive cause of death, detectives can still proceed with an arrest if they gather sufficient evidence.

D4vd — born David Anthony Burke — is being viewed as a suspect by investigators, though he is not legally considered one at this time, as officers say they do not yet have the probable cause required to make an arrest. Sources also indicate that a second, unnamed suspect is believed to have helped him.

Officials have accused D4vd of refusing to cooperate with investigators from the beginning, contradicting claims made by his public relations team.

Records Temporarily Sealed Amid Ongoing Case

The Department of Medical Examiner confirmed it received a court order requiring it to hold all records connected to the case until the order is lifted. This followed a prior request from the LAPD submitted on September 15, 2025, which was denied because of "insufficient justification" for the security hold at the time.

Rivas-Hernandez, who lived in Lake Elsinore, had been reported missing multiple times in early 2024 after running away and returning home on several occasions. She last made contact with family at the end of May 2024 and had not been heard from since, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

At the time Rivas-Hernandez's body was discovered, D4vd was on tour and scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on September 20, 2025. The remainder of the tour was abruptly canceled as the investigation intensified.