In early September 2025, the discovery of a decomposed body inside a Tesla registered to the singer known as d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) has triggered a major investigation. The body was identified as Celeste Rivas, 15 years old, who had been missing since April 2024. Among the more troubling details: both Celeste and d4vd have matching tattoos on their right index fingers reading “Shhh…”, sparking public speculation about their connection. This article digs into the known facts, emerging evidence, unanswered questions, and the wider implications of this tragic case.

Known Facts

Here is what multiple credible sources (news outlets, police statements, medical examiner) confirm so far:

Discovery of the body

On September 8, 2025, authorities discovered the decomposed remains of a female in the front trunk (sometimes called the “frunk”) of a Tesla registered to d4vd. The vehicle was impounded at a Hollywood tow yard after being towed due to being abandoned

The body was found wrapped in a bag.

Identity of the victim

The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victim isCeleste Rivas, aged 15.

She had gone missing from Lake Elsinore, California, on April 5, 2024, when she was 13.

Tattoo detail

Celeste had a tattoo that read Shhh…” on her right index finger. This played a key role in her identification.

d4vd is reported to also have a tattoo reading “Shhh…” on his right index finger. Other physical and forensic detailsThe body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Celeste was identified through forensic methods and by matching physical clues including the tattoo.

The Medical Examiner has not yet determined or released a cause of death. The manner of death (homicide, accident, etc.) is under investigation.

Vehicle and registration

The Tesla is registered in Hempstead, Texas, to David Anthony Burke (d4vd). The car had been parked for some time in Hollywood Hills, and was impounded after being abandoned and after complaints about a strong odor.

d4vd’s cooperation and public response

According to available reports, d4vd is cooperating with law enforcement.

He has canceled at least one show (in Seattle) after the discovery.

Emerging Details & Speculation

While many facts are confirmed, there are also emerging details and speculation that are yet to be verified:

Matching tattoo & relationship claims

The tattoo design “Shhh…” is the same wording and same placement (right index finger) for both Celeste and d4vd. However, the color of the ink may differ: based on the victim’s mother, Celeste’s tattoo was reportedly red, whereas d4vd’s is in black ink.

Celeste’s mother reportedly said her daughter had a boyfriend named “David.” This has been interpreted by many as potentially referring to d4vd, since “David” is his first name, though this has not been confirmed by police.

Time of disappearance vs. state of remains

Celeste had been missing for over a year, from April 2024 until the discovery in September 2025.

The level of decomposition suggests the remains had been there for an extended period

Other physical clues

Clothing: she was found wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet, and stud earrings.

Build: approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall (≈ 157 cm), about 71 pounds (≈ 32 kg).

Music and social media contents

There are reports that d4vd has a leaked or unpublished song titled “Celeste” that references a girl named Celeste. Some have speculated connections between the lyrics and Celeste Rivas, but no official confirmation whether that song reflects her specifically.

Even with so many details, there are important gaps and things that remain unverified. Investigations are still ongoing.

No formal suspect or chargesThe authorities have not officially named d4vd as a suspect in Celeste’s death. Cooperating does not equal guilt.

Causation unknownThe cause of death and manner (such as homicide vs. accident or neglect) are still under review.

The tattoo match may be coincidenceThe tattoo “Shhh…” on the finger is not unique. Several celebrities (including Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen) have similar or identical tattoos.
Also, the color difference of the ink (red vs. black) may reduce the weight of the “matching” argument.

No judicial or law enforcement confirmation of romantic involvementWhile the mother’s statement that Celeste had a boyfriend named “David” is widely discussed, there is no verified proof that relationship was with d4vd. No court evidence has been presented publicly.

No precise timeline establishedIt is unclear exactly when Celeste died, how long her remains were in the car, who had access to the Tesla during that period, or when the car was last used by Burke or others.

Investigation Status & Authorities’ Actions

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery‑Homicide Division is involved.

A search warrant was reportedly executed at a home in the Hollywood Hills that d4vd had been staying in. Authorities removed items including a computer among evidence.

The car was towed and impounded after being abandoned. Complaints about foul odor led to discovery of the body.

Forensic and medical examiner reports are underway; identification was confirmed in part via matching tattoo and other forensic methods.

Implications & Public Reaction

Because this case involves a minor, possible connections to a public figure, and disturbing circumstances, it has provoked strong reactions and important implications.

Legal & ethical concerns

If any wrongdoing is proven, this could lead to serious criminal charges (depending on findings), such as homicide, child abuse, or related offenses.

The matching tattoo and reported relationship claims intensify scrutiny over what role d4vd may have played, if any.

Presumption of innocence

Despite public speculation, it is critical in legal systems to maintain the presumption of innocence until evidence is presented in court. Unverified claims, rumors, or similarities (like tattoos) may be suffering from inference, not proof.

Public perception & reputation

d4vd’s career is already being affected: some concert cancellations, removal or reconsideration of promotional material, collaborators distancing themselves.

Social media is awash with speculation, much of it unverified; the matching tattoo has become a central symbolic hinge in many of these discussions.

Forensic and investigative questions

Investigators will need to clarify how unique the tattoo is, whether the match implies anything (shared event, mutual design, or simple popular tattoo design).

Chain of custody or access: who last used the Tesla, where it was kept, who had access, timeline of its abandonment.

Other evidence: digital communication, CCTV, phone data, etc.

Impact on family and community

Celeste’s family is grieving and demanding transparency. Her disappearance had lasted over a year. For them, the tattoo played a key role in recognizing her body.

Community interest in missing‑persons cases is high; this case may lead to more pressure for better protective and investigative systems for minors.

Outstanding Questions

Here are key questions that remain unanswered and which investigators will need to address:

How did Celeste end up in the Tesla? What was her last known location, who last saw her, and who had access to the car?

When did the tattoo “Shhh…” first appear on d4vd, and in what color? Was it before or after Celeste’s disappearance? Was it a matching or imitative design or purely coincidental?

What digital evidence exists? Messages, social media posts, location data that might show contact between Celeste and Burke; timing of when she was seen publicly with anyone named David; whether there are photos or videos.

What is the precise timeline of decomposition? Forensic pathology could estimate how long the remains were in the vehicle, which may help understand when Celeste died and whether the car was used in that period by others.

Cause & manner of death. Was this homicide, or could there be other causes? Any signs of trauma?

Who is responsible? Whether d4vd himself, someone else, or no one yet implicated. What roles forensic, circumstantial, digital, and testimonial evidence will play in determining charges (if any).

Possible Scenarios

Given the known evidence and what remains unknown, several scenarios are being discussed (hypothetically):

d4vd had a relationship with Celeste and knew her, possibly giving rise to matching tattoos, and may have knowledge (or involvement) in what happened. Evidence could implicate him, or could exonerate him if there is proof of non‑involvement.

Tattoo matching is coincidental or not unique. The “Shhh…” tattoo is shared by other public figures; similar designs are fairly widespread. Coincidence is possible, especially if people see shared themes or mutual fan culture.

Someone else placed Celeste in the Tesla, possibly without Burke’s knowledge. The car might have been used by others, or rented/borrowed, or accessible. That could complicate attribution of wrongdoing.

Misuse of public data or rumor. Because of the public figure involved, rumors, leaks, social media speculation are intense. Some claims (Discord chats, relationship) may be unverified or misinterpreted. Investigators need to rely on evidence, not speculation.

Legal Implications

If evidence shows d4vd had illegal contact with a minor (depending on age at the time, type of relationship, etc.), that could lead to charges beyond homicide.

If the Tesla was used to conceal a crime, or if evidence shows d4vd had control or knowledge of the vehicle’s use after disappearance, that could be relevant in establishing legal liability.

Privacy issues: how the media handles unconfirmed allegations, protection of minors, and respecting rights of all parties (victim, suspects) are important.

Conclusion

As of this writing, the case of Celeste Rivas remains deeply tragic and complex. The discovery of her body in a car registered to d4vd, and the matching “Shhh…” tattoo shared by both, are among the most startling details. Yet, despite heavy media attention and public speculation, many crucial facts remain unverified: the cause of death, the nature of the relationship (if any), and whether d4vd is legally implicated.

The matching tattoo could be an important clue or merely a provocative coincidence. Investigators must piece together forensic, digital, and testimonial evidence to build a clear picture. For Celeste’s family, justice and truth are urgently needed.