The Los Angeles Police Department is addressing misinformation surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found deceased in the trunk of a Tesla owned by musician d4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) in the Hollywood Hills in September 2025. LAPD Captain Scot Williams, commanding officer of the Robbery-Homicide Division, told PEOPLE exclusively that the teen’s body was neither frozen nor decapitated, contrary to circulating rumors.

Clarifying the Condition of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Body

“Celeste’s body was not frozen. She was not decapitated. The whole frozen thing doesn’t even make sense,” Williams explained. He emphasized that the teen’s remains had been in the car for several weeks prior to discovery.

Williams elaborated on the implausibility of the claims:

“Even if she had been frozen solid when she was put in the car—which there is no evidence to suggest she was—five or more weeks in the trunk of a car in sweltering summer heat would not have resulted in a partially frozen body being discovered on September 8th.”

Timeline of the Case

Celeste Rivas Hernandez was first reported missing from her Lake Elsinore, California, home on April 5, 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Her body was later discovered in the impounded Tesla on September 8, 2025, one day after what would have been her 15th birthday. At the time, d4vd was reportedly on tour.

The singer has been identified as a suspect in the teen’s death, according to a police source, though no criminal charges have been filed. The source also noted that d4vd has allegedly “not been cooperative” with the ongoing investigation, while his representatives have previously stated to NBC Los Angeles that he is “fully cooperating” with authorities.

Investigations and Legal Measures

In September, LAPD investigators served a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills residence where d4vd had been staying. The teen’s cause and manner of death remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.

On November 24, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that they had received a court order, initiated by the LAPD, to place a security hold on Rivas Hernandez’s case. The medical examiner stated:

“No records or details associated with the case, including the cause and manner of death and Medical Examiner report, can be released or posted on the website until further notice. The Department understands the public’s interest in this case and remains committed to transparency when possible. Information will be made available once the court order is lifted.”

Public Interest and Ongoing Investigation

The LAPD continues to follow multiple leads in the case while emphasizing the sensitivity required in handling matters involving minors. Authorities are taking precautionary steps to protect the integrity of the investigation and the safety of any witnesses involved.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement has urged the public to allow them to conduct their work while promising updates once appropriate information can be released.