Cops Reveal Disturbing Clues in the D4vd Missing‑Teen Case — Ritual Elements? What We Really Know

Date: September 22, 2025

Executive Summary

A shocking development in Los Angeles: the badly decomposed remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teen who went missing in 2024, were found in a Tesla registered to singer‑songwriter d4vd (David Anthony Burke). Rumors have swirled suggesting ritualistic elements may be involved, given matching tattoos and lyrical content tied to her name. However, investigators have not confirmed any ritual activity. This report sifts through the verified facts, separates speculation from evidence, analyzes what police have disclosed, and weighs public reactions so far.

Table of Contents

Background: Missing Person & Discovery

Who is d4vd?

Key Facts Confirmed by Authorities

Alleged Clues and Speculation (“Ritual” Theories)

What Police Have Disclosed

Social Media & Public Interpretation

Legal Status: Investigation & Cooperation

Broader Consequences & Reputational Fallout

How Much We Don’t Know: Unanswered Questions

Conclusion

1. Background: Missing Person & Discovery

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, last seen on April 5, 2024, in Lake Elsinore, California, when she was 13 years old.
On September 8, 2025, body parts in a severely decomposed state were discovered in the front trunk (frunk) of an impounded Tesla in Los Angeles, after workers at the impound yard reported a foul odor.
The car was either registered to or associated with d4vd. Authorities later determined the remains belonged to Celeste Rivas Hernandez, now aged 15.

2. Who Is d4vd?

Real name: David Anthony Burke. A rising singer‑songwriter who gained popularity through online platforms and songs with emotional, lo‑fi, indie, melancholy themes.
His debut album Withered was released earlier in 2025, and he embarked on a world tour. He has publicly stated that he is cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.

3. Key Facts Confirmed by Authorities

The remains were found enclosed in a bag and wrapped in plastic, inside the front trunk (“frunk”) of the Tesla.
Identification of the remains as Celeste Rivas was done via forensic methods.
The cause of death is deferred—that is, not yet determined, pending further pathology/tissue/toxicology tests.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Investigators believe she had been deceased inside the vehicle for a prolonged period.

4. Alleged Clues and Speculation (“Ritual” Theories)

Some details have fueled rumor of ritualistic or symbolic connections. These include:

Item
What People Point To
What Is Actually Verified / Speculative

Tattoo with “Shhh…” on right index finger
Celeste had this tattoo; d4vd reportedly has a matching or identical tattoo. Rumors suggest that matching tattoo implies symbolic bond or secret code.
Verified: the victim had a “Shhh…” tattoo. Also report that d4vd has one. Implication of ritual or secret bond is speculative.

Unreleased song lyrics referencing “Celeste”
Some leaked or fan‑shared content references a girl named Celeste with lyrics that match certain details (obsession, emotional content). Some people see parallels to disappearance.
There are reports of a song mentioning her name, but authorship, timing, and how directly lyrics match real events are not verified. The link to actual wrongdoing is not confirmed.

Physical proximity / sightings
Reports that d4vd was seen near Celeste’s hometown; claims that she had a boyfriend named David. Some social media images compared.
Some of these are based on unconfirmed sightings or social media posts. No public official confirmation that these sightings are accurate. (The Economic Times)

So far, none of these individually or collectively has been established by law enforcement or forensic investigators as evidence of ritual practice.

5. What Police Have Disclosed

Police have treated the discovery as a homicide investigation, meaning they believe a crime may have been committed. (AP News)
The body was found in the Tesla that had been impounded; the impound lot received the vehicle after someone noticed odor. (AP News)
They have identified the victim, but have not yet publicly named a suspect or charged d4vd with a crime as of the latest available reports. (AP News)
Search warrants were executed at a residence associated with d4vd in Hollywood Hills. Evidence seized includes electronic devices, computers, etc., per media sources. (Wikipedia)

6. Social Media & Public Interpretation

Fans and observers have noted the matching tattoos, song lyrics, social media posts, and timing of disappearance vs unreleased or leaked songs. These similarities have led many to speculate about intent, hidden meanings, or ritualistic behavior.
However, many media analysts caution that similarity or matching tattoos alone are not proof of ritual or criminal intent—they may suggest a connection, but many gaps remain.
Because of the gruesome nature of the discovery, speculation spreads fast; the public is demanding transparency and answers.

7. Legal Status: Investigation & Cooperation

d4vd is cooperating with investigators. His representatives have publicly said so. (AP News)
No formal charges have been filed against him at the time of the latest reports. Authorities are still examining forensic evidence, toxicology, and timeline. (AP News)
The investigation is ongoing, with an emphasis on establishing cause and manner of death. (AP News)

8. Broader Consequences & Reputational Fallout

Multiple concert dates have been canceled in light of the discovery. Some brand partnerships and promotional campaigns tied to d4vd have been suspended or dropped. (Pitchfork)
Public trust and reputation have come under strain, particularly among fans, the media, and collaborators.
The case has shone light on issues such as how artists with growing fame handle personal associations, transparency, and accountability.

9. How Much We Don’t Know: Unanswered Questions

The cause of death is still not determined. Was it accidental, assault, or something else? (AP News)
Whether the lyrics or other artistic works by d4vd were inspired by, about, or reflective of real connections with Celeste is unclear. Intent is highly relevant and not established.
How d4vd and Celeste were connected (if they were beyond social media or reported referrals) remains under investigation.
Whether matching tattoos or sightings are coincidences or have deeper meaning is speculative without more evidence.
Whether any ritualistic behavior or symbolism is proven in police records — currently, no official mention of ritual rites, practices, or religious or occult symbolism is confirmed.

10. Conclusion

While many “eerie similarities” have been noted in the D4vd / Celeste Rivas Hernandez case—matching tattoos, song lyrics referencing a name, social media speculation—there is no verified evidence as of now that ritual activity has taken place. Authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of Celeste’s remains and are treating the case seriously as a potential homicide investigation. But speculation about rituals remains just that—speculation.

The public deserves full, transparent information: forensic findings, timelines, communication records. Until those emerge, it’s important to distinguish between verified fact and sensational rumor.