A grand jury has been convened to evaluate evidence relating to the death of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, a 15-year-old whose remains were discovered in a vehicle registered to musician D4vd (David Anthony Burke).
According to reporting by The Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office empaneled an investigative grand jury in mid-November. Such proceedings are conducted in camera to preserve the integrity of the investigation and protect the anonymity of witnesses.
Court filings referenced in the report indicate that LAPD Detective Joshua Byers sought and obtained a judicial order temporarily restricting the release of the medical examiner’s autopsy findings and related information. A law-enforcement source further stated that multiple witnesses have appeared before the grand jury at the request of Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman. The District Attorney’s Office declined to comment, citing legal prohibitions on disclosing grand-jury information.
Rivas-Hernandez had been reported missing after leaving her Lake Elsinore residence in April 2024. She was located deceased months later in an impounded Tesla. Subsequent searches of Burke’s residence resulted in the seizure of various items of potential evidentiary value.
Unverified claims circulated in media reports regarding the condition of the remains, but LAPD officials have publicly refuted those descriptions, characterizing them as inaccurate. The LAPD has stated that there is currently no definitive conclusion regarding whether a criminal offense beyond improper handling of remains has occurred. The official cause and time of death have not yet been released by the medical examiner.
Although no individual has been formally designated as a suspect in public filings, some media outlets have reported that investigators are examining Burke’s potential involvement. Those reports also allege that he has been reluctant to engage with investigators, though neither he nor his attorney has issued public comment.
Investigators are reviewing possible timelines, including the movement of the vehicle in which Rivas-Hernandez was found, and assessing whether additional persons may have had access to the residence or vehicle. Private investigators retained by third parties have provided their own observations but state they have found no conclusive evidence of a violent incident at the residence.
Officials continue to examine potential connections between Rivas-Hernandez and Burke, including allegations that the two had prior contact via social media. Rivas-Hernandez’s family has not issued further statements. No arrests or charges have been made to date, and the investigation remains ongoing.#newsafro_
