Listen to the article
LAPD Disputes “Misinformation” in Teen Death Investigation as Security Hold Sparks Controversy
Los Angeles police issued another statement Tuesday attempting to dispel what they describe as “misinformation” in recent media coverage regarding the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd.
The LAPD’s elite Robbery-Homicide Division defended its decision to obtain a court order sealing the Medical Examiner’s investigation into Hernandez’s cause of death, insisting the move was to ensure detectives receive critical information before public release. “The order was not sought to undermine transparency,” the department stated.
This follows criticism from county Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo, who on Monday expressed concern over the “security hold” placed on the investigation. “Since becoming the department head, I’ve worked on eradicating the practice of placing security holds on Medical Examiner cases simply by law enforcement request,” Ukpo said. “The practice of security holds is virtually unheard of in other counties and has not been proven to improve outcomes in the legal system.”
The body of Hernandez, who would have turned 15 shortly before her discovery, was found September 8 in the front trunk (frunk) of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle is registered to singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. Investigators believe the teen may have been deceased for weeks before discovery.
The LAPD specifically refuted several claims circulating in media reports. “The body of Celeste Rivas was not frozen when it was discovered on September 8, 2025,” police stated, contradicting TMZ reports suggesting the body had been partially frozen before placement in the trunk. Police also denied reports that the girl had been decapitated.
Authorities acknowledged that D4vd traveled to the Santa Barbara area earlier this year but remained noncommittal about its significance, stating only that “the reason for that trip is still under investigation and we’ve drawn no conclusions at this point about the relevance of the trip to this case.” Some reports had suggested the singer may have traveled to a remote location for several hours and potentially had assistance in dismantling the teen’s body.
Multiple news outlets reported last week that D4vd had been officially named a suspect and was being uncooperative with investigators, though police have not confirmed these claims. A representative for the singer previously stated he was cooperating with the investigation.
The case has drawn increased attention due to several disturbing connections. Hernandez, from Lake Elsinore, was reported missing by her mother last year when she was just 13. The mother told reporters her daughter had a boyfriend named David. Notably, D4vd has a tattoo on one of his fingers matching one reading “Shhh” that was found on Hernandez’s index finger, according to the medical examiner.
The teen’s brother told NBC4 earlier this year that Celeste was last seen going to a movie with D4vd but never returned home.
The Tesla containing Hernandez’s body had been abandoned near a home in the 1300 block of Doheny Place, close to a residence D4vd had rented. Police executed a search warrant at the house, collecting several items as potential evidence.
“The vehicle had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so Ms. Rivas Hernandez may have been deceased for several weeks before the discovery of her body,” police stated in September.
The car had been parked on Bluebird Avenue in Hollywood Hills for so long that residents complained, resulting in a citation on September 3 for violating the 72-hour parking ordinance, according to the Los Angeles Times.
No arrests have been made in connection with the teen’s death. “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of Ms. Rivas Hernandez’s death,” police said in September. “As such, it remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.”
D4vd was on the final leg of a U.S. tour when the body was discovered. Several shows were subsequently canceled, including one scheduled at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. Reports indicate his label, Interscope Records, has halted all promotion of his latest record, “Withered.”
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
The death of a young person is always tragic. I hope the LAPD can work with the Medical Examiner to determine the facts and provide closure for the victim’s family.
Misinformation can complicate these types of cases. It’s good to see the LAPD addressing it, but they will need to be transparent to maintain public trust.
This is a sensitive case with conflicting information. I hope the authorities can provide clarity and transparency to address the concerns raised by the Medical Examiner.
Security holds on investigations can be concerning, as they may limit public oversight. It’s important to balance law enforcement needs with the public’s right to know.
I’m curious to learn more about the LAPD’s reasoning for the security hold. Addressing misinformation is important, but not at the expense of public trust.
This appears to be a complex case with competing interests. Careful investigation and open communication will be crucial to finding the truth and ensuring justice.
The LAPD’s defense of the security hold raises questions. Transparency and accountability should be priorities when investigating a teen’s death.
The Medical Examiner’s concerns about the practice of security holds are valid and worth exploring further. Balancing law enforcement needs and public oversight is critical.