Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Title: Hollywood Hills Horror: Disturbing New Clues in the D4vd Tesla Death Case | Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Date: November 6, 2025

This episode dives deep into the mysterious and tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found deceased in the trunk of pop star David Anthony Burke's (stage name: d4vd) abandoned Tesla. Ashleigh Banfield brings her signature irreverent-yet-serious style to the case, piecing together public confusion, investigative stalls, and new revelations—especially regarding a Build-A-Bear certificate that could be a critical clue. Private Investigator Steve Fisher joins Ashleigh to discuss timelines, family contradictions, and the looming toxicology report.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Recap of the Tragedy (01:46-06:57)

• Celeste Rivas Hernandez, aged just 15 at discovery, was found decomposing in the trunk of D4vd's Tesla in Los Angeles.
• The car was abandoned for days; neighbors complained of the odor before police found the body.
• Celeste and David had a years-long relationship, starting when she was possibly no older than 12.
• Despite the circumstances, David has never been charged or named a suspect. The cause of death is unclear; autopsy findings are inconclusive and toxicology results are still pending.

"Celeste had just turned 15. In fact, her birthday was the day before she was found dead in that trunk. And since she'd been dead in that trunk for a long time, she died at 14."
— Ashleigh Banfield (04:53)

2. The Build-A-Bear Certificate Clue (04:57-06:57; 08:00-08:41)

• A Build-A-Bear certificate dated April 21, 2024, was discovered in David’s old mansion after an LAPD raid.
• The certificate bears the name “Esmeralda Celeste,” raising questions about the presence of Celeste and her cousin Esmeralda in David’s home.
• That same day, David posted from Six Flags on TikTok, while cousin Esmeralda reportedly built a bear at that park.
• This suggests Celeste was not especially "missing," despite being reported so—family members knew her whereabouts.

"When you're a missing person, usually your family doesn't know where you are. And yet Esmeralda, Celeste's cousin, knew where she was… So I don't think she really was [missing]."
— Ashleigh Banfield (05:55)

"This likely puts Celeste inside David's home, doesn't it?"
— Ashleigh Banfield (08:39)

3. Timeline Irregularities & Family Contradictions (05:30-06:30; 08:41-10:45)

• Celeste's family reported her missing, but she was repeatedly seen with family and at public events (e.g., cousin's graduation, a family backyard incident, Vegas trip).
• The family (notably Esmeralda’s mother) reportedly told others not to look for Celeste during her last disappearance.
• Private investigator Steve Fisher suggests adults in the family failed to inform law enforcement despite knowing Celeste’s location.

"There was people aware of where Celeste was… they should have notified law enforcement that Celeste… we've located her… But that didn't happen."
— Steve Fisher (08:41)

"On the last time she went missing, the family members were saying, ‘Don't look for her. She's staying with other family members near LA.’"
— Steve Fisher (10:00)

4. Toxicology Report Status (07:00-08:00; 10:45)

• Other cases from the same week already have toxicology results; Celeste’s results may return soon, but state of decomposition could cause delays.
• Even if results are in, it’s uncertain if/when they’ll be made public.

"Her initial tox may be back and they're still working through… But there is also a good chance because of the state of decomp, that they have to send this out for additional testing."
— Steve Fisher (07:10)

5. Who’s Responsible? & Ongoing Questions (10:45-11:35)

• The investigation remains in limbo—no arrests, lingering uncertainty about David’s involvement, and whether any adults will face scrutiny for enabling or concealing Celeste's whereabouts.
• Host emphasizes the gravity and unresolved nature of the case.

"So here we are, still waiting for the arrest of whoever left Celeste in that harrowing state in David's trunk, still waiting to hear what police think of the singer dating a runaway as young as 13 when he was clearly an adult."
— Ashleigh Banfield (10:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The smell followed it all the way to the impound lot. And days later, workers there couldn't ignore it any longer. And they too called the police. This time, when the investigators popped the trunk, they realized what they were smelling wasn't an animal at all."
  — Ashleigh Banfield (03:00)

• "[The Build-A-Bear certificate] matters... because it's 16 days after Celeste's family reported her missing for the final time… So it's likely Celeste and cousin Esmeralda were all at that Six Flags resort on the same day, while Celeste was officially a missing person."
  — Ashleigh Banfield (05:10)

• "There's some people pushing back saying… Esmeralda's senior in high school… I don't think Celeste was the only person there for that graduation. I think there was adult family members there as well. And they should have notified law enforcement that Celeste is not… We've located her…"
  — Steve Fisher (08:41)

Important Timestamps

• 01:46 – Ashleigh sets up the case, summarizes key facts and timeline.
• 04:57 – The Build-A-Bear clue is introduced.
• 05:30 – Discussion of recurring “missing” status, family contradictions.
• 06:57 – Steve Fisher joins; toxicology report timeline discussed.
• 08:00 – Build-A-Bear certificate details, impacts on investigation.
• 08:41 – Family’s knowledge of Celeste’s whereabouts.
• 10:00 – PI reveals family’s instructions to “not look for her.”
• 10:45 – Ashleigh recaps ongoing questions, urges for accountability.

Summary of Tone and Style

Ashleigh Banfield delivers the episode with a blend of investigative seriousness and biting irreverence. She dissects inconsistencies in witness and family statements with a sharp, direct approach, while PI Steve Fisher complements with methodical and grounded analysis.

For Listeners New to the Case

This episode offers a comprehensive yet chilling summary of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case, with new intrigue introduced by family secrecy, overlapping alibis, and a surprising Build-A-Bear clue. The investigation’s future hinges on the upcoming toxicology results and continued scrutiny of both celebrity involvement and potential family failings.

Stay tuned to Drop Dead Serious for real-time developments—as Ashleigh says: "the truth isn't just serious, it's drop dead serious."