Authorities have identified rising music star d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, as a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer earlier this year. A police source confirms the development as investigators continue to search for answers in a complex and deeply troubling case.

Body of Missing Teen Found in Vehicle Registered to the Singer

The investigation began on Sept. 8, when LAPD officers responded to a report of a foul odor coming from a vehicle at an impound lot in Los Angeles. The Tesla, which had been towed after being left abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, was registered to the 20-year-old artist.

Inside the trunk, authorities discovered the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had turned 15 just the day before. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed her identity and noted that her cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

A police source tells PEOPLE that d4vd has been “identified as a suspect” and has allegedly not cooperated with investigators, despite earlier public statements claiming the opposite. No criminal charges have been filed at this stage.

Singer Has Not Responded to Requests from Investigators, Source Says

While a representative previously told NBC Los Angeles that d4vd was “fully cooperating,” the police source says investigators have “not interviewed him” and describes the singer as “not being cooperative.”

The LAPD, the singer’s attorney, and his team did not respond to recent requests for comment.

The vehicle, according to neighbors, had been left parked in the Hollywood Hills for about a month before officials traced it and brought it to the impound lot, where the troubling odor led officers to conduct a search.

Search Warrants and Evidence Collection Continue

In mid-September, LAPD investigators served a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills residence where the singer had been staying. A spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that multiple pieces of evidence were collected. Detectives continue to follow leads, awaiting critical findings from the medical examiner that could determine the next steps, including potential criminal charges.

Authorities have not released any information regarding whether d4vd and Rivas knew one another, though media outlets have noted that both had a similar small tattoo on their index finger. Investigators have not commented on whether this detail is significant.

Victim Had Been Reported Missing Several Times

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Celeste had been reported missing multiple times in 2024 from her hometown in Lake Elsinore, California. Loved ones described her as a bright and beloved member of their community, remembered as a “daughter, sister, cousin, and friend” in a GoFundMe created in her honor.

LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams previously shared that Celeste had “likely been deceased for several weeks” before being found.

Her disappearance and the discovery of her body prompted an outpouring of grief, including a vigil attended by dozens of community members. Residents expressed heartbreak for the teen and her family as they struggle with unanswered questions.

Singer Cancels Remaining North American Tour Dates

At the time Celeste’s body was discovered, d4vd was touring in North America, performing music from his debut album Withered, released in April 2025. Following the discovery and growing public scrutiny, he canceled the remainder of his U.S. tour, Billboard reported.

Investigators are now waiting for the full medical examiner’s report, which is expected to play a key role in determining what happened to Celeste and whether criminal charges will be issued.

The case remains open and active.