In September 2025, the remains of a missing 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas, were discovered in a Tesla owned by singer-songwriter d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. The case drew widespread attention after Rivas’ mother spoke out, alleging a connection between her daughter and the musician—and pointing to details like tattoos and possible song references. Months after being named a person of interest, Burke was arrested in April 2026 in connection with Rivas’ death, though he has denied any involvement.
Here’s what we know about how the two may have known each other.
Who Is d4vd?
D4vd (real name: David) is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter known for his hits “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” both of which went viral on TikTok. He was born in Queens, New York City, and grew up in Houston, Texas.
Who Was Celeste Rivas?
Rivas was a 14-year-old who went missing in April 2024. At the time, the Lake Elsinore, California, resident was 13, according to multiple outlets.
The body found in a towed Tesla that was registered to the singer D4vd has been identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, according to officials. https://t.co/yAPc3p8k3F pic.twitter.com/9tSsMTZJO2
— ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2025
Did d4vd & Celeste Rivas Know Each Other?
It remains unclear whether d4vd and Rivas had a confirmed relationship, and authorities have not publicly detailed how or if the two knew each other.
The singer has not addressed speculation about an alleged connection. However, multiple reports have pointed to potential links, including claims that the two may have had similar “Shhh” tattoos on their fingers, though this has not been independently verified. Additionally, Rivas’ mother told TMZ that her daughter had a boyfriend named David in 2024 — before she went missing.
Moreover, rumors circulated over a leaked song of d4vd’s titled, “Celeste_Demo unfin” when it was released in late 2023. In the track, d4vd mentions a girl named Celeste more than once.
“Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest,” he sings in one verse of the unreleased song. “Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath / I’m obsessed.” In a separate verse, he sings, “Oh, Celeste / Afraid you’ll only love me when undressed / But you look so damn gorgeous in that dress.”
D4vd was also seen near Rivas’ home shortly before she disappeared in April 2024, according to multiple outlets.
How Did Celeste Rivas Die?
The exact cause and manner of Rivas’ death have not been publicly confirmed. Authorities have said her remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition when they were discovered in September 2025, and the case is being investigated as a homicide.
Law enforcement, led by the LAPD, has not released further details about how Rivas died, and key findings from the autopsy have not been made public.
In the months following the discovery, TMZ and NBC News reported that law enforcement was viewing d4vd as a suspect in the case. He was arrested in April 2026 on suspicion of murder. He is being held without bail, and his legal team has denied any involvement.
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