The essentials
Investigation spans alleged abuse since September 2023 through September 2025 body discovery in suspect's vehicle.
The investigation into 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death establishes a disturbing chronology spanning multiple stages of alleged criminal conduct. Sexual abuse allegedly began in September 2023, according to prosecutors. The victim was reported missing from Lake Elsinore in April 2024.
The alleged murder occurred on or about April 23, 2025, followed by alleged mutilation of the victim's body on or around May 5, 2025. The discovery came substantially later: the victim's decomposed and dismembered remains were found in an abandoned Tesla trunk in Hollywood Hills in September 2025, more than four months after the alleged death.
Singer D4vd, registered owner of the vehicle, was arrested following this discovery. The grand jury investigation that began in February 2026 preceded formal charges of first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The extended timeline between initial abuse allegations and final discovery underscores the duration over which investigators developed their case.
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Six-month concealment period between crime and body discovery
The victim was reported missing April 2024, establishing the initial awareness point. The alleged murder occurred April 23, 2025, with body mutilation alleged around May 5, 2025. Discovery in September 2025 created a four-month concealment interval. This timeline demonstrates an extended period during which remains remained hidden within the vehicle before investigative discovery.
Forensic discovery links suspect to victim through vehicle and remains
The Tesla registered to D4vd contained the victim's dismembered remains, constituting primary physical evidence connecting the suspect to the alleged crime. Sexual abuse allegations dating to September 2023 establish an extended pattern of alleged misconduct preceding the alleged murder. The grand jury's February 2026 investigation evaluated this evidence before determining sufficient cause for charges.