Authorities in Los Angeles have blocked the release of all records relating to the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in the boot of singer D4vd’s impounded car in September.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office confirmed it had received a court order placing a security hold on the case, preventing any information from being released or published. Police requested the order, saying officers needed to receive the medical examiner’s findings before they became public.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo said such security holds are “virtually unheard of in other counties” and that there is no evidence they improve criminal-justice outcomes. “We are dedicated to serving our community with full transparency; however, the law precludes us from doing so while the court order remains in place,” he said.
Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered on 8 September after reports of a foul odour coming from an impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle, registered to 20-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, had been towed days earlier after being found abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
The teenager, from Lake Elsinore, had been missing since April 2024. Investigators said her body was “severely decomposed” and had been inside the vehicle for several weeks. She was found inside a bag, wearing a tube top, black leggings and jewellery, and had a tattoo on her index finger reading “Shhh…”, similar to one the singer has.
Police say the case is being handled by the robbery-homicide division. No arrests have been made, and D4vd has not commented publicly, though his representatives previously said he was cooperating with investigators.
The case has had significant fallout for the rising artist, whose world tour was cancelled shortly after the discovery. Sony Music Publishing reportedly halted promotion of his upcoming album, while brands including Hollister and Crocs dropped him from marketing campaigns. Singer Kali Uchis also removed their collaboration Crashing from platforms.
Rivas Hernandez, described by her family as a beloved daughter and sister, had a history of running away from home. Her relatives, who buried her in October, said they are “heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss.”