After Celeste Rivas’ dismembered body was found in singer D4vd’s car in September 2025, the general public quickly began to speculate that he was involved in her death. However, retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone explained to investigative journalist Kristin Thorne why D4vd is not the only person who should be considered in the case during Us Weekly’s latest episode of Uncovered.
“I’m sure you’ve seen her picture. That young, innocent face of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas,” Thorne said at the beginning of the episode. “There’s been a lot of speculation about whether her boyfriend, the rap artist known as D4vd, had anything to do with her murder.”
Later on in the episode, Thorne pointed out that “just because Celeste’s body was found in the back of his trunk, that is not proof that he had anything to do with her murder.”
Giacalone agreed that D4vd, 20, shouldn’t be the only person considered as a potential suspect amid the investigation. “It’s his vehicle, right? So he has ties to it, still doesn’t mean he’s responsible for anything,” he said. “He has an entourage. He has all these people that work for him.”
Burn Cage Found in D4vd’s Home Amid Celeste Rivas’ Death Investigation
Rivas ran away from home in April 2024, and her body wasn’t found until more than one year later when she was discovered dismembered in the back of D4vd’s Tesla in Los Angeles. It’s unclear when Celeste died, but authorities believe her body had been in the truck for several weeks prior to being discovered.
D4vd – whose real name is David Anthony Burke – has adamantly denied having any involvement in Rivas’ death. He was not in Los Angeles at the time her body was found because he was traveling on tour, and no charges have been pressed against him.
At the time Rivas’ body was found, a spokesperson for D4vd said he had “been informed about what’s happened, and although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.”
A major development in the case took place on January 22, when D4vd’s friend Neo Langston was arrested after he failed to appear in court as a witness amid Rivas’ murder case investigation.
Langston was arrested on an out-of-state warrant while in Helena, Montana. He was initially booked at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, though he was later transferred to the LAPD. His bond was set at $60,000 and he was released on January 24, according to online records viewed by Us Weekly.
The investigation into Rivas’ death remains ongoing. No arrests have been made.
After Rivas’ body was found, a GoFundMe page was launched to help her family during the difficult time.
Celeste Rivas’ Funeral Held 1 Month After Her Body Was Found in D4vd’s Car
“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week,” the fundraiser summary read. “She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”
The fundraiser organizer later updated the post, thanking those who supported the family amid the tragedy. “Thank you to everyone who is gracious enough to donate. The family is incredibly grateful. God Bless,” they wrote.
