In September 2025, the remains of a missing 14-year-old girl were found. Celeste RivasIt was discovered in a Tesla owned by the singer-songwriter d4vdHis 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 out details such as 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 denied any involvement.
Here’s what we know about how the two know each other.
Who is d4vd?
D4vd (real name: David) is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter known for his songs “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” both of which went viral on TikTok. He was born in Queens, New York City, and raised in Houston, Texas.
Who was Celeste Rivas?
Rivas was 14 years old and disappeared in April 2024. At the time, he was 13 years old and a resident of Lake Elsinore, California, according to multiple media outlets.
The body found in the cut-off Tesla registered to 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
Do d4vd and Celeste Rivas know each other?
It remains unclear whether there is a confirmed relationship between d4vd and Rivas, and authorities have not publicly explained how or whether the two knew each other.
The singer did not address speculation about an alleged relationship. However, multiple reports have pointed to possible links, including claims that the two may have had similar tattoos on their fingers, although this has not been independently verified. Plus, Rivas’ mother said TMZ That her daughter had a boyfriend named David in 2024 – before she disappeared.
Furthermore, there were rumors of a leaked d4vd song titled “Celeste_Demo unfin” upon its release in late 2023. In the song, 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. “I smell her on my clothes like cigarettes/I hear her voice every time I breathe/I’m obsessed.” In a separate verse, he sings, “Oh, Celeste / I’m afraid you’ll only love me when you take your clothes off / But you look so good in that dress.”
D4vd was also seen near Rivas’ home shortly before her disappearance 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. 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, authorities said.
Law enforcement, led by the Los Angeles Police Department, have not released further details about how Rivas died, and key findings from the autopsy have not been announced.
In the months following the discovery. TMZ NBC News reported that law enforcement was looking at 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.
