The mystery surrounding the death of Celeste Rivas deepened this week after her official death certificate revealed that the cause of death is still being deferred, pending toxicology results and further investigation.
According to documents obtained by TMZ, the 15-year-old’s body was discovered on September 8, 2025, inside a vehicle in Los Angeles.Â
The L.A. County Medical Examiner confirmed an autopsy was performed but stated additional testing is needed before determining both the cause and manner of death.
The death certificate also clarified that Rivas was not pregnant at the time of her death and had not been pregnant within the last year — a detail that had been the subject of speculation online.
Rivas’ dismembered remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician David Burke, better known as D4vd, which had been abandoned for weeks in the Hollywood Hills.
The shocking discovery launched a high-profile investigation and raised questions about how long her body had been concealed.
The mystery surrounding the death of Celeste Rivas deepened this week after her official death certificate revealed that the cause of death is still being deferred
LAPD Captain Scot Williams told TMZ that confirming whether Rivas died from foul play or other causes is critical to the case, noting that without the Medical Examiner’s findings, detectives cannot formally classify her death as a homicide.
In a news release issued Monday, the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division confirmed the ongoing probe, stating: ‘It remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body. RHD is thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.’
The department acknowledged the vehicle had been parked at the location for several weeks before it was towed, suggesting Rivas may have been deceased for some time before the grisly discovery.
While under scrutiny, D4vd initially continued performing on tour before abruptly canceling his Seattle show after police confirmed Rivas’ identity.
The LAPD has urged patience as investigators await toxicology results and review potential evidence.Â
For now, the manner of death remains undetermined.
The death certificate also clarified that Rivas was not pregnant at the time of her death and had not been pregnant within the last year — a detail that had been the subject of speculation online; seen in March 2025
Rivas’ dismembered remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician David Burke, better known as D4vd, which had been abandoned for weeks in the Hollywood Hills
