D4vd Tesla Case Breakthrough: Dead Body Identified

By Trevor Fields
September 18, 2025 • Fact checked by Dumb Little Man
David Anthony Burke, popularly known as d4vd, has made waves in the music scene with viral YouTube releases, his debut album, and scheduled shows across the globe. But lately, his name isn’t trending because of music. It’s trending because of a Tesla, a dead body, and an investigation that has taken an unexpected turn.
When the Los Angeles Police and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a girl found inside a Tesla was officially identified by the medical examiner, the internet went into overdrive. NBC Los Angeles reported it, fans dissected every update, and suddenly d4vd’s breakout year collided with headlines no singer wants to be linked to.
This isn’t just another missing person log. It’s a case filled with an abandoned vehicle, foul odor complaints, canceled September shows, and YouTube detectives running wild with theories. And whether he likes it or not, David Anthony Burke — the artist behind d4vd — is sitting right in the middle of the story.
Tesla Drama Starts With One Nasty Foul Odor
It all started with a car that should’ve been nothing more than another entry in a towing log. A Tesla was abandoned, towed to an impound lot, and parked like thousands of other vehicles that land there every year. But this wasn’t just any vehicle. People around it noticed a foul odor coming from inside, and that changed everything. In police terms, a foul odor is never ignored. It’s the first sign that something serious — maybe even life-ending — has happened.
When investigators opened the Tesla, they discovered the body of a young woman, later identified as Celeste Rivas. She was wearing black leggings and a black tube top, along with sneakers. She had wavy black hair and a tattoo that became central to her identification. These details may sound small, but in police investigations, what someone is wearing often helps connect them to a missing person’s report.
The discovery turned an ordinary day for impound staff into a crime scene no one expected. That Tesla, sleek and modern, instantly became evidence. For the public, it was shocking — Tesla is supposed to mean luxury and tech innovation, not a vehicle associated with a death investigation.
The Body ID Reveal Nobody Wanted But Everyone Expected
After the Tesla discovery, the next question was obvious: who was she? For weeks, officials held off confirming her name. Then the medical examiner revealed it was Celeste Rivas, a girl who had been reported missing back in April. For her family, the confirmation was heartbreaking, providing closure but also grief.
Her identification wasn’t random. Investigators matched her clothing — the black tube top, black leggings, and sneakers she was discovered in — with descriptions from missing person records. Combined with her tattoo and her wavy black hair, it became clear that the body inside the Tesla was Celeste.
The cause of death, however, remains undetermined. The medical examiner confirmed toxicology testing is underway, with results expected soon. That will finally shed light on how and why her life ended.
For the internet, though, the ID changed the conversation. Rumors gave way to facts. YouTube channels and crime forums latched onto her name and appearance, spinning endless theories. NBC Los Angeles reported the confirmation, solidifying what people feared from the moment the foul odor was first noticed.
LAPD and Friends Digging Through The Tesla Mess
The confirmation didn’t close the case. Instead, it pushed investigators deeper. The Los Angeles Police, LAPD, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office are all actively involved, pooling resources to uncover how Celeste Rivas ended up inside that Tesla in Lake Elsinore. Multiple agencies working a case usually signals its seriousness.
The timeline is everything. The Tesla was first abandoned, then towed, then impounded. It wasn’t until the foul odor became impossible to ignore that investigators opened it and discovered Celeste’s body. Now, towing logs, impound records, and time stamps are being examined to reconstruct her final movements.
Where does d4vd come in? Speculation. His name got attached not because of charges but because of timing, proximity, and canceled shows. His spokesperson confirmed he’s fully cooperating and has been interviewed professionally. Police also confirmed he was in Seattle during part of the period, in line with his Withered World Tour schedule. But online chatter rarely respects official records.
So far, authorities have stayed cautious. They’ve confirmed the body, confirmed the identity, and kept the rest locked down while the investigation continues.
D4vd’s Music Era Collides With Crime-Scene Headlines
This tragedy hit during what should’ve been d4vd’s biggest year yet. David Anthony Burke’s rise was fast — YouTube made him viral, his debut album solidified his status, and the Withered World Tour was scheduled to take him worldwide. “Romantic Homicide” had fans buzzing and critics paying attention.
Then September happened. A few of his shows were canceled. Under normal circumstances, fans would shrug it off as scheduling issues. But with the Tesla discovery dominating headlines, people immediately linked those canceled dates to the ongoing investigation. Even without proof, suspicion thrived.
Instead of focusing on his releases, blogs and fans tied his name to the Tesla and to Celeste Rivas’ death. Suddenly, his breakout year had a shadow hanging over it. He wasn’t accused of wrongdoing, but the timing left the door open for endless theories.
The irony is sharp. While d4vd was supposed to be leading a new generation of internet-born singers, his name is now stuck in the same sentences as “death,” “identified,” and “Tesla.”
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Impound Lot Secrets: The Abandoned Tesla That Told All
The impound lot became ground zero for this entire case. The Tesla was just another sleek car parked in a row until someone reported that foul odor. That detail flipped the script from “routine” to “crime scene.”
Investigators quickly determined the Tesla wasn’t just part of the story — it was the story. Logs from the towing company, impound staff, and parking lot are now evidence. Every detail, from when it was abandoned to how long it sat before being checked, matters in reconstructing Celeste Rivas’ final hours.
Inside, the car held more than her body. Investigators are combing through belongings, examining the vehicle’s history, and tracing its movements. Each clue has the potential to point to what really happened before her death.
For the public, though, the Tesla is unforgettable. The contrast between a high-end vehicle and a grim discovery makes this case even more shocking. An abandoned Tesla turned the quiet logbook of an impound lot into a headline-grabbing crime story.
YouTube Detectives Are Losing It Over The Tesla Twist
No modern case stays offline for long, and YouTube creators wasted no time jumping in. The second Celeste Rivas was identified, channels started releasing content linking her death, the Tesla, and d4vd’s lyrics. “Romantic Homicide” became the centerpiece of speculation, with some suggesting the song foreshadowed real-life events.
Videos compare his debut album to the investigation timeline, point to canceled September shows, and question why his name keeps appearing in reports. Accuracy isn’t the point; viral views are.
Fans flood the comments with mixed emotions — grief for Celeste, suspicion of timing, and fascination with theories. Some creators release daily updates, turning her tragedy into content.
For d4vd, this type of exposure is toxic. Yes, his name is everywhere, but for reasons no singer wants. Instead of celebrating music releases, people now click on videos with “Tesla case” in the title. His career momentum is colliding with a narrative he never signed up for.
Spokesperson Says “Calm Down, He’s Fully Cooperating”
Amid the chaos, d4vd’s team is holding the line. His spokesperson confirmed he’s fully cooperating with investigators, interviewed professionally, and not considered a suspect. They emphasized that he’s been transparent from the start.
Logs show he was in Seattle for part of the period when the Tesla was located, in line with his Withered World Tour schedule. Authorities determined his whereabouts didn’t match the discovery timeline. On paper, that should end speculation — but the internet thrives on suspicion.
His team has done what’s expected: consistent statements, no dodging, no contradictions. For a young artist whose career depends on reputation, that kind of professionalism matters.
The challenge is that facts move slow, while theories spread fast. And right now, YouTube thumbnails and fan speculation get more attention than calm press statements.
What’s Next: Death Confirmed, Investigation Rolling, and Headlines Still Buzzing
At this point, the facts are clear: the girl in the Tesla was identified as Celeste Rivas, reported missing in April, and found wearing a black tube top, black leggings, and sneakers. Her death has been confirmed, but the cause has not yet been determined. Toxicology results are expected soon, and they’ll finally reveal how her life ended.
For d4vd, the timing is brutal. His breakout year, filled with music releases and scheduled shows, now overlaps with one of the year’s most disturbing investigations. He hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing, but perception is already shaping how people talk about him.
Behind the headlines, though, is a grieving family. The discovery closed a missing person case but opened a new wound: a death that still needs answers. Until authorities share what caused Celeste’s death, speculation will continue to drive the conversation.
The Tesla case isn’t fading anytime soon. And fair or not, David Anthony Burke — d4vd — will remain tied to it until investigators close the book.
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Trevor Fields
Trevor Fields is a tech-savvy content strategist and freelance reviewer with a passion for everything digital—from smart gadgets to productivity hacks. He has a background in UX design and digital marketing, which makes him especially tuned in to what users really care about. Trevor writes in a conversational, friendly style that makes even the most complicated tech feel manageable. He believes technology should enhance our lives, not complicate them, and he’s always on the hunt for tools that simplify work and amplify creativity. Trevor contributes to various online tech platforms and co-hosts a casual podcast for solopreneurs navigating digital life. Off-duty, you’ll find him cycling, tinkering with app builds, or traveling with a minimalist backpack. His favorite writing challenge? Making complicated stuff stupid simple.