Authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of a 15-year-old girl, whose remains were discovered last month inside the impounded vehicle of a popular recording artist.
The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found on September 8 in the front trunk of a Tesla on a lot in Los Angeles. Police were alerted to the scene after reports of a foul odor coming from the car. The vehicle was registered to the musician known professionally as D4vd.
The teenager had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore on multiple occasions earlier this year. Her last known contact with family was a phone call at the end of May.
According to law enforcement, the car had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills before being towed to the impound lot where the discovery was made. Investigators stated it was likely the victim had been deceased for several weeks prior to being found.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet released a cause or manner of death. A police spokesperson noted that, while the concealment of a body is a crime, it remains undetermined if any other criminal liability exists in connection with her death.
Following the identification of the remains, the girl’s family held funeral services earlier this month. They have also organized an online fundraiser to help with expenses.
The musician, who was on an international tour at the time, canceled his remaining North American dates after the discovery. He has retained legal counsel and, through a representative, is stated to be cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Detectives have executed at least one search warrant in the case, recovering items for analysis.
The investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division remains active.
