R&B Star D4vd Named Suspect in Teen’s Homicide After Body Found in Tesla

When the dismembered body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found inside a Tesla parked in an unmarked location near Los Angeles in late September 2025, authorities initially treated it as an unidentified remains case. But on November 19, 2025, that changed. D4vd, the 20-year-old rising R&B star whose real name is David, is now a suspect in her homicide — a shocking turn that has sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond. The revelation came via KTLA 5 News, which cited law enforcement sources confirming the shift in the investigation. The case, once quiet, is now one of the most intense in Southern California — and it’s far from over.

From Missing Person to Homicide

The timeline is chilling. Hernandez’s remains were discovered in the Tesla around September 25, 2025, but for nearly two months, police didn’t publicly identify the victim or the vehicle’s owner. That silence ended when KTLA 5 News reported on November 19, 2025, that the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner had officially reclassified the case as a homicide. The cause of death? Deferred pending toxicology results. But investigators confirmed one grim detail: Hernandez had been dead for an extended period — likely weeks, possibly months — before her body was found. What makes this case even more disturbing is the method. Dismemberment suggests planning, not impulse. And the fact that the remains were hidden inside a high-end electric vehicle linked to a celebrity — one with over 2 million monthly Spotify listeners — adds a surreal layer to the tragedy. No one knows how Hernandez died. No one knows exactly where the killing occurred. But the vehicle’s connection to D4vd is the thread everyone is pulling.

Who Is D4vd?

Born in 2005 in Los Angeles, D4vd — pronounced “David” — rose to fame in 2021 with his moody, genre-blending R&B tracks. He signed with Interscope Records in 2023 and has since toured with artists like SZA and The Weeknd. His Instagram has 4.7 million followers. His music, often about isolation and emotional pain, resonates with Gen Z. But now, his public image is in ruins. As of November 19, 2025, D4vd has not been arrested. He has not spoken publicly. His legal team has not issued a statement. But investigators are reportedly digging into his movements — particularly a mysterious trip he took in the spring of 2025.

The Santa Barbara Connection

According to TMZ, which broke the story of the suspect connection, D4vd made a late-night trip to a remote stretch of Santa Barbara County between April and June 2025. He reportedly stayed there for several hours, alone, in the middle of the night — an unusual move for a rising star with a packed schedule. The area, known for its rugged hills and sparse population, is the kind of place where evidence could vanish. Investigators are now seeking warrants to search his phone, car logs, and cloud storage from that period. Was he disposing of something? Was he meeting someone? The timing — six to nine months before the body was found — raises serious questions. If the body was hidden in the Tesla for months, as the medical examiner suggests, then the timeline aligns unnervingly well with that trip.

Was There an Accomplice?

Here’s the twist: multiple law enforcement sources tell KTLA 5 News that D4vd may not have acted alone. The dismemberment, the logistics of moving a body, the concealment in a vehicle — it’s too much for one person, especially someone with no known criminal history or forensic knowledge. Investigators are now looking at his inner circle: roadies, studio assistants, even past romantic partners. No names have been released. But the possibility of accomplices makes this case exponentially more complex. It’s not just about one man’s actions — it’s about who knew, who helped, and who stayed silent.

What Happens Next?

The next critical piece of evidence? Toxicology results. Those could reveal whether Hernandez was poisoned, overdosed, or suffered trauma before death. If drugs are involved, it could point to an accidental death followed by a cover-up. If trauma is evident, it strengthens the case for homicide. Authorities are also expected to subpoena D4vd’s financial records. Did he make any large, unexplained purchases around the time of the disappearance? Did he rent storage units? Pay for private cleaning services? And then there’s the Tesla itself. The car’s GPS logs, camera footage, and interior sensors — if preserved — could reveal who was in the vehicle, when, and for how long. Investigators may even be examining the car’s software for deleted data.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another celebrity scandal. It’s a reminder that fame doesn’t shield you from darkness — and it doesn’t protect victims from being forgotten. Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a teenager. She had friends. Family. Dreams. And for months, her story was buried under silence, speculation, and the noise of pop culture. Now, the public is watching. And the justice system is being tested. Can it move swiftly enough to find answers? Can it separate the artist from the accused? And most importantly — can it give her family the truth they deserve?