When the decomposed body of a teenage girl, later identified as 15‑year‑old>Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was discovered in the trunk of an impounded Tesla in Los Angeles in September 2025, the case quickly became a flashpoint. The car was registered to rising alt‑pop singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), and since then, the investigation has drawn intense scrutiny—and swirling rumors. Among the most sensational claims: that D4vd used Celeste’s voice in his music before her body was found. Is there any credibility to that? And what new leads do authorities have?

Here’s a breakdown of what is known, what is alleged, and what remains unverified.

Celeste Rivas cause of death update: D4vd Tesla case hits major roadblock; expert weighs in | Hindustan Times

The Discovery: How the Case Broke Open

The chain of events that brought the case to public attention is chillingly stark.

On September 8, 2025, a decomposed body was discovered inside the front trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The car had been impounded after being parked in the area for weeks. Tow yard employees alerted authorities because of a foul odor emanating from the vehicle.

The Tesla was registered to D4vd, who at that time was touring. He claimed he was not in Los Angeles when the body was found.

d4vd Vacates L.A. Home Where Police Served Search Warrant After Teen Girl Found Dead in His Tesla: Report

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ultimately identified the body as that of Celeste Rivas, a teenage girl who had been missing since April 2024

The cause of death is currently listed asdeferred,” meaning investigators have not yet reached a conclusion.

Authorities are treating the discovery as ahomicide. The Los Angeles Police Department is leading the investigation.As of now, no formal charges have been filed against D4vd or any other person.

Celeste Rivas' Family and Friends Lay Her To Rest, While Singer, D4vd Remains Unnamed As A Suspect

D4vd is reportedly cooperating with authorities.

This grim context gives urgency to allegations that followed—some of which border on the sensational.

The Allegation: Did D4vd Use Celeste’s Voice in His Music?

Among various rumors that have proliferated online, one of the most provocative is this: before Celeste’s body was found, D4vd allegedly used portions of her voice (or voice recordings) embedded in his songs or interludes. The notion is shocking, and—so far—as unproven as it is inflammatory.

Singer D4vd name-checks Celeste in reported leaked song

What Supports the Claim (So Far)

Creator Interviews & StatementsIn one interview, D4vd reportedly said that on his album project he included , but he refused to disclose whose voice they were, citing “copyright” concerns. Some fans have interpreted that as a possible veiled reference to using a third party’s recordings without attribution.

Viral Comparisons & Audio Matching
Some social media users point to a video purportedly showing Celeste (months before her body was found) arguing with neighbors, arguing that the voice in that video “sounds like” the female vocalizations in D4vd’s track “You Left Me First.” Online speculation has been intense—many commenters claim to hear similarities. However, forensic audio experts caution that such comparisons, especially with low-fidelity video or crowd recordings, are speculative at best.

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Timing & Artistic ReferencesObservers note that D4vd has teased or released songs with references to Celeste, including anunreleased track titled “Celeste.” Some fans view this as more than coincidence, pointing to lyrical resonance, imagery in music videos, or callbacks in his promotional content.

Fan & Online Speculation
Online sleuths have combed D4vd’s livestreams, social media, unreleased demos, and promotional materials, interpreting many moments as references to or windows into a hidden relationship with Celeste—or even direct usage of her voice.

D4vd Sings About A Girl Named Celeste In Leaked Song | iHeart

However, it is important to stress: no credible evidence has been publicly verified. There is no chain of custody for recordings, no expert audio analysis available to the public, and no confirmation from authorities that such voice usage is part of the investigation.

What Undercuts the Claim

Lack of Confirmed Source or MetadataEven if a voice is present in a track, proving identity requires metadata, original file records, or forensics linking the audio to a person. None of that has been presented publicly.

Ambiguity of D4vd’s Own StatementsHis claim about “voice bites” not disclosing the source could be generic artistic license, or a misdirection. It does not necessarily confirm illicit use of someone else’s voice.

D4vd's subreddit locked: Singer accused of moderating posts on Celeste Rivas's death; fans claim critical posts deleted - The Times of India

No Official Acknowledgment from AuthoritiesThe LAPD or medical examiner’s office have not publicly cited voice usage as part of the forensic case. The focus remains on physical evidence—autopsy, toxicology, vehicle forensics—not speculative audio claims.
Given the stakes, it remains an unverified allegation, albeit one fueling public debate.

Celeste Rivas cause of death update: D4vd Tesla case hits major roadblock; expert weighs in | Hindustan Times

New Developments from the Investigation

Beyond the voice usage rumors, several significant developments have shaped the case in recent weeks:

Private Investigator Hired by Landlord

The landlord of the Los Angeles home D4vd was renting reportedly engaged a private investigator to dig deeper into the case. According to reports, the landlord said he wants more clarity on how a body came to be found in a car linked to his property.

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Property Transfers & Precautionary Moves

Amid mounting scrutiny, D4vd is said to have transferred ownership of his Texas real estate holdings to his mother. This move has been interpreted by some as protective, possibly shielding assets pending legal exposure.

Cancellation and Pausing of Tour

In light of the case, D4vd canceled or postponed tour dates and promotional efforts.Public-facing music labels and partners are reportedly holding back on promotion until investigation clarity emerges.

D4vd pierde patrocinios y cancela conciertos por investigación de la muerte de Celeste Rivas | Univision 34 Los Angeles KMEX | Univision

The “Celeste” Unreleased Track

A previously unreleased song titled “Celeste” has surfaced in online discussion. The lyrics reference a name matching the victim, and fans argue the content is too pointed to be coincidental. Some believe the track was recorded before April 2024 (while Celeste was missing), though that is speculative.

Matching Tattoos & Photographic Clues

Allegations have circulated that Celeste had a “Shhh…” tattoo on her index finger—reportedly similar to a tattoo D4vd is said to bear. Some photographs and social media posts purport to show D4vd in locations tied to Celeste’s hometown.

Todo se vuelve más oscuro: La canción de D4vd que revelaría su turbia relación con Celeste

Identity and Cause-of-Death Pending

Although the body has been identified, investigators have deferred judgment on cause of death. Autopsy, toxicology, and forensic timing (how long the body was in the car) remain under active review.

Challenges, Unknowns & Legal Implications

Legal Risk for Unverified Claims

 

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If D4vd were to release voice recordings of Celeste or rely on them publicly, he could face civil claims (e.g. unauthorized use of voice/personality rights) or criminal exposure depending on jurisdiction. But for now, these remain speculative and unproven.

Burden of Proof

Any claim about voice usage must meet a high forensic standard. It must survive cross-examination, chain-of-custody requirements, and expert scrutiny. Public speculation and viral audio comparisons cannot substitute for accredited forensic work.

Celeste Rivas' past under investigation after death in D4vd's Tesla

Presumption of Innocence vs. Public Opinion

D4vd remains not formally charged. In the court of public opinion, he faces intense condemnation, but legally he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. This dynamic creates tension between emotion and evidence.

Possible Evidence Delays

Decomposition, absence of immediate arrests, and time elapsed since the body’s placement in the car all complicate forensics. Time is an enemy in cases hinging on biological or audio evidence.

Celeste Rivas 'likely dead for weeks' before 15-year-old was found in D4vd's Tesla - The Mirror US

Pressure on Authorities

The sensational nature of the case, its connection to a public figure, and the public’s demand for accountability may accelerate or distort investigative processes. Transparency is essential to maintain fairness.

D4vd's manager renting home searched in Celeste Rivas investigation

Why the Voice‑Usage Claim Attracts So Much Attention

Shock Factor & HorrorThe idea that someone could embed a living (or disappeared) person’s voice into a song—especially before their death is even discovered—is deeply unsettling.

Narrative Control & Confession CultureThe claim converts artistic content into a potential confession, making

Fan & Social Media AmplificationIn the digital age, every lyric, video, teaser, or blurred clip becomes ammunition. Fans and critics alike are striving to “decode” hidden meaning.

Power, Exploitation & AccountabilityAt its core, the allegation speaks to concerns over exploitation—especially of minors—and the power imbalance between a minor and a successful artist. Whether or not true, it forces public conversation around these themes.