Singer D4vd Named Suspect in Death of 15-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

On September 8, 2024, the decomposing body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to pop artist D4vd, sparking a major criminal investigation across Southern California. The discovery, made in an undisclosed location in Los Angeles County, led authorities to name D4vd—a viral TikTok sensation with nearly 4 million followers—as a suspect, though no arrests have been made. The case has sent shockwaves through music communities and among families in Lake Elsinore, where Hernandez lived, and raised urgent questions about how a teenager vanished for over a year before her remains were found in such a brutal manner.

The Discovery That Shook a Community

Hernandez, a quiet, artistic teen from Lake Elsinore, was last seen alive in late 2023. Her disappearance went largely unnoticed outside her immediate circle until her body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. According to law enforcement sources, the body showed signs of dismemberment, suggesting a deliberate, prolonged effort to conceal her identity. Investigators believe the process required more than one person, pointing to a network of individuals potentially involved in her death and disposal. The vehicle’s location was never publicly confirmed, but the search that followed led directly to D4vd’s Los Angeles residence, which was raided the same night Hernandez’s identity was confirmed—around September 15, 2024.

D4vd’s Sudden Silence and Cancelled Tour

At the time of the discovery, D4vd was mid-tour under his "Withered" world tour, performing to packed crowds across the country. But within days, all remaining dates—including stops in Portland (September 24), San Francisco (September 27), and Los Angeles (September 29)—were abruptly canceled. No official statement was issued by his management. ABC News reported reaching out to his legal team multiple times without response. His TikTok account, which had posted upbeat music videos and fan interactions just weeks earlier, went silent. The contrast between his public persona and the grim reality of the case has fueled public outrage and speculation. His follower count, still at 3,998,000 as of reporting, now serves as a grim reminder of how easily online fame can mask hidden darkness.

Confusion and Contradictions in Media Reporting

Adding to the chaos, an ABC News Instagram reel mistakenly labeled Hernandez as a "21-year-old," contradicting its own article that correctly identified her as 15. The reel, which received over 600 likes and comments like "We all knew this already," was later left uncorrected. This error—whether accidental or editorial—undermined trust in media handling of the case and sparked criticism from victims’ advocates who stressed the importance of accurate reporting when minors are involved. Hernandez’s age is not just a detail; it’s central to the legal gravity of the case. Under California law, the murder of a child under 18 can trigger enhanced penalties, including life without parole if proven intentional and premeditated.

Medical Examiner’s Role: The Key to Charges

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office holds the critical next step. Until they determine the cause and manner of death—whether homicide, accidental, or otherwise—no formal charges can be filed. Investigators have indicated the ruling is expected within days of mid-September 2024. Autopsy findings will also help answer whether Hernandez was alive when placed in the vehicle, whether she was drugged, or if trauma occurred before or after death. The dismemberment suggests not only brutality but also an attempt to evade identification, a tactic often seen in cases involving organized concealment. Forensic pathologists will also examine any tools or substances found in the Tesla or D4vd’s home for traces of DNA, fibers, or chemical residues.

Multiple Suspects? The Investigation’s Expanding Scope

While D4vd is the most visible figure in this case, law enforcement sources have told ABC News that multiple individuals are being interviewed. The complexity of dismembering and transporting a body across county lines—especially one that had been hidden for over a year—suggests coordination. Investigators are reportedly examining D4vd’s associates, crew members from his tour, and even people who had contact with Hernandez in the months before her disappearance. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which initially handled her missing person report, is working alongside Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. No warrants have been publicly disclosed, but sources confirm that digital forensics teams are analyzing phones, social media messages, and financial records tied to those connected to both Hernandez and D4vd.

Why This Case Matters Beyond the Headlines

This isn’t just another celebrity scandal. It’s a chilling example of how vulnerable teens can disappear without warning—and how digital fame can create dangerous blind spots. Hernandez’s family reportedly struggled to get attention from authorities when she first went missing. Meanwhile, D4vd’s rise—from bedroom producer on TikTok to national touring act—was fueled by algorithmic virality, not traditional industry gatekeepers. The system that propelled him never checked his background. Now, it’s being asked: How many other young artists with massive followings are living dual lives? And how many more missing teens are out there, forgotten because they don’t have trending hashtags?

The cancellation of his tour wasn’t just a business decision—it was a societal reckoning. Fans who once cheered his music now question whether his lyrics about isolation and pain were cries for help… or warnings. The truth may never be fully known. But one thing is certain: Celeste Rivas Hernandez deserved more than to be a footnote in a viral story.