Going West: True Crime

Episode 540 – Celeste Rivas & D4vd (Happening Now)

Release Date: September 23, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman

Overview

In this breaking “Happening Now” episode, hosts Daphne and Heath examine the disturbing disappearance and murder of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were recently discovered in the trunk (“frunk”) of a Tesla registered to music artist D4vd (David Anthony Burke) in Los Angeles. This episode dives deep into what is currently known, separating fact from speculation amid swirling rumors and conspiracy theories—while exploring the possible connection between the rising star and the underage victim. The hosts break down the timeline, evidence, social media activity, and public reaction to the unfolding investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Navigating Rumor vs. Fact (02:17–03:34)

• The hosts emphasize clarity amidst rampant misinformation, pledging to distinguish between verified facts and speculation:

  “If there is something that is alleged or it seems like it could be a rumor, we will state that before giving you guys that information.” (Daphne, 02:32)

• The episode is framed as an update “happening now” with focus on up-to-date details.

Case Summary: Who Was Celeste Rivas Hernandez? (04:25–07:12)

• Celeste, age 15 at time of discovery, grew up in Lake Elsinore, California. Community members remembered her as “a good student, a happy child” (Heath, 06:54).
• Little is known publicly about her personal life except she was seen as intelligent and hardworking.
• Made routine stops to a local store on the way to school for Takis and soda—typical teenage behavior.

First Disappearance, Reoccurrences, and Timeline Discrepancies (07:20–09:36)

• Initially reported missing on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024 (age 13), but returned shortly after.
• Later disappeared more permanently on April 5, 2024, last seen leaving her house at 9pm wearing gray pants, a black sweater, a hat, and Hello Kitty sandals.

  “Put a pin in the Hello Kitty shoes…” (Heath, 09:36)

• Notable confusion: teacher reports indicate Celeste both returned and went missing multiple times, complicating investigators’ attempts to establish her last confirmed sighting.

[Notable Quote: Celeste’s Teacher on Timeline]

“She met this dude, media. He was a rapper in LA. He came and got her. She ran away from home… The cops found her in Hollywood, brought her back… She disappeared again in May of that year…”
(Celeste’s Teacher, as recorded and played on air, 10:18–11:24)

Connection to Artist D4vd (David Anthony Burke) (12:07–14:25)

• David/D4vd is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter known for TikTok hits “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.”
• The connection to Celeste traces back to repeated runaways; both her teacher and parents suspected she was seeing someone named David.
• Rumors proliferated online, especially fueled by age gap and D4vd’s rising music career.

[Lyrics of Interest]

“In the back of my mind, I killed you and I didn’t even regret it...”
(D4vd, “Romantic Homicide,” highlighted by Daphne, 13:49)
Note: Hosts clarify the song predated their meeting but acknowledge the public’s sensitivity to the lyrics in light of the case.

Discovery of Celeste’s Body & Vehicle Timeline (14:25–24:52; 26:20–33:15)

• On September 8, 2025 (the day after her 15th birthday), Celeste’s decomposed, dismembered remains were discovered in the frunk of a black Tesla Model 3, parked and abandoned in the Bird Streets area of West Hollywood.
• The Tesla, registered to David, had Texas plates and was parked for weeks before being towed due to complaints.
• Remains were found in a plastic bag; autopsy confirmed identity but cause and manner of death have not been released:

  “…her severely decomposed, severed head, torso, and arm were found in a plastic bag in that frunk.” (Daphne, 23:21)

• The intense LA summer heat likely accelerated decomposition, further complicating efforts to determine time of death.

[Timeline & Location Discussion]

• David’s US tour began August 5, 2025, raising questions about when the Tesla was abandoned:

  “We don’t yet know if it was abandoned before he left for tour or after.” (Heath, 14:41)

• Neighborhood surveillance and Tesla’s built-in cameras discussed as potential sources of evidence (40:19–42:55).

Social Media & Public Evidence (45:12–51:25)

• Age Gap: Celeste (13–14), David (19–20) during their suspected association—universally called “disgusting” and “gross” by hosts.
• Multiple online videos and images (not fully verified) appear to show Celeste at David’s shows and on his social media:
  • June 27, 2024: Video of a girl matching Celeste’s description, wearing Hello Kitty Crocs, going backstage at David’s Fonda Theater concert, accompanied by David’s brother.
  • Several selfies and livestreams show David with a hooded, curly-haired girl strongly resembling Celeste.

[Notable Quote: On the Backstage Video]

“It’s like it’s her. We can’t say—I can’t tell you for sure—but it’s her, you know...”
(Heath, 50:00)

• Matching Tattoos: Both had the word “Shh” tattooed on their right index finger (56:20–57:21).

Music, Motifs, and Conspiracy Theories (57:31–68:54)

• Alter Ego “Itami” & Aesthetic: David’s music videos and interviews reference a manga-inspired alter ego and recurring themes:

  “I wanted to make my own manga series at one point… a big part of that manga was an evil version of me named Itami, which means pain in Japanese...”
  (D4vd, interview audio, 57:56)

• Online sleuths obsess over David’s song lyrics, video motifs (e.g., music videos involving car trunks), and TikTok comments referencing “Hello Kitty” and the date “0907” (Celeste’s birthday).
• Unverified rumors and song leaks (“Celeste”) are discussed but treated cautiously by the hosts.

Reaction & Career Fallout (35:56–39:06)

• David abruptly canceled the remainder of his US and Europe tour following escalating press coverage but continued performing for several days after public revelations. His labels and sponsors (Interscope, Crocs, Hollister) rapidly distanced themselves.
• A search warrant was executed at the Hollywood Hills house linked to David’s management; computers and other items were seized as possible evidence.

Investigation & Ongoing Evidence Review (40:19–45:00)

• Emphasis placed on the highly technical nature of determining who accessed the car and when, using Tesla’s data logs and external surveillance.
• The hosts defend law enforcement’s patience as necessary for building a case that stands up in court:

  “They need a slam dunk case… they can’t get it wrong.” (Heath, 44:28)

  • Predict an arrest may be imminent once evidence is processed.

Community Impact & Call for Information (69:30–71:00)

• Celeste’s family, while private, has set up a GoFundMe that surpassed its fundraising goal.
• Vigil held in Lake Elsinore.
• Information hotlines provided:
  • LA County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau: 323-890-5500
  • Riverside Sheriff’s Department (Officer Contreras): 951-776-1099

Notable Quotes

• On separating fact and rumor:

  “Navigate through all of the BS. We’re going to try to supply you guys with the facts.”
  (Daphne, 02:32)

• Teacher’s account of Celeste’s runaways and relationship with David:

  “She met this dude, media. He was a rapper in LA. He came and got her. She ran away… cops found her in Hollywood…”
  (Celeste’s Teacher, 10:18–11:24)

• On evidence in tech era:

  “There’s probably going to be a lot of [security] footage… which, spoiler alert, is why there have not been arrests made in the case. Because they have so much to go through.”
  (Heath, 43:57)

• On patience with ongoing investigation:

  “I guess, you know, the main thing here is just patience because I do think that they’re trying to get it right.”
  (Daphne, 45:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Hosts’ introduction and case context | 02:10–03:34 | | Victim profile and Lake Elsinore community | 04:25–07:12 | | Timeline confusion and teacher’s testimony | 09:33–12:00 | | D4vd’s profile and musical career | 12:07–14:25 | | Discovery of remains and vehicle details | 14:25–24:52 | | Decomposition, forensics, and tech forensics | 31:41–33:15 | | Conspiracies and social media connections | 45:12–51:25 | | Music, motifs, and public online response | 57:31–68:54 | | Community vigil and call for tips | 69:30–70:39 | | Case wrap and next steps | 71:28–72:31 |

Memorable Moments

• Teacher’s viral TikTok testimony [10:18–11:24]: Direct classroom account of Celeste’s behavior, disappearances, and relationship with David.
• Discovery of body details [23:21]: The shocking specifics of finding Celeste’s remains in the frunk.
• Social media sleuthing [45:12–51:25]: Hosts debate the evidence in backstage videos, livestreams, and matching tattoos.
• Hosts’ social commentary:
  • “If they were in a relationship or even a friendship, you know, honestly, there’s no reason for that, right?” (Heath, 45:52)
  • “If he is a pedophile or a murderer or both.” (Daphne, 35:56)

Tone & Language

The hosts maintain a conversational, empathetic tone. They stress the complexity and emotion of the situation while clarifying uncertainty:

• Frequently remind listeners not to jump to conclusions.
• Openly express disgust at the age gap and at the possible exploitation, with direct language (“disgusting”, “gross”).
• Use caution and repetitive disclaimers when discussing unverified claims or rumors.
• Emphasize their mission: clarity, empathy for the victim’s family, and the need for “patience” as the investigation develops.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• Based on present evidence, Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old from Lake Elsinore, was found dead and dismembered in the frunk of a Tesla Model 3 registered to pop singer David “D4vd” Burke, a 20-year-old rising artist.
• The Tesla was parked and abandoned in LA’s Bird Streets for weeks while David was on tour; only discovered after odor complaints caused it to be towed.
• Authorities are meticulously reviewing complex forensic, technological, and social media evidence, with high scrutiny due to public interest and conspiracy theories.
• Although the timeline is confused by repeated runaway incidents, there is substantial visual and anecdotal evidence connecting David and Celeste in the months leading up to her disappearance.
• As of recording, no arrests have been made; David’s tour and promotions are suspended and sponsors have publicly disassociated.
• The community, as well as Celeste’s family, is calling for clues and justice.

If you have tips on the case, contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Riverside Sheriff’s Department (Officer Contreras) at 951-776-1099.