A security hold placed on the investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez is drawing strong criticism from the Los Angeles County medical examiner, who says the practice limits transparency and does not improve legal outcomes.
L.A. Medical Examiner Opposes Security Holds in High-Profile Death Cases
The Los Angeles County medical examiner publicly spoke out against law enforcement–initiated security holds after receiving a court order from the LAPD to restrict all information related to the Rivas-Hernandez case.
A security hold prevents the release of:
- Cause of death
- Manner of death
- Medical examiner’s report
- Any related investigative documents
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo emphasized that his department aims to operate with full transparency and has been working to reduce the use of security holds, noting that the practice is “virtually unheard of” in most counties.
Despite previously denying an LAPD request in September due to “insufficient justification,” the current court-ordered hold must remain in place.
D4vd Considered a Suspect as Investigation Deepens
Sources familiar with the investigation say the singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is considered a suspect in the teen’s death. However, he has not been formally charged because investigators do not yet have the probable cause required for arrest.
Key details from investigators:
- Celeste’s body was dismembered
- Her remains were found inside a bag in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla
- The Tesla was registered to D4vd
- The singer has not cooperated with investigators, despite public statements from his PR team
Authorities also believe additional individuals helped dispose of the body, and those people are now under closer scrutiny.
Timeline: What Happened to Celeste Rivas-Hernandez?
Early 2024 — Missing From Lake Elsinore
Celeste had a history of running away, according to investigators. She last contacted her family in late May 2024 and had not been heard from since.
September 8 — Body Discovered in Hollywood
Police responded to reports of a foul odor coming from a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. Inside the vehicle’s front trunk, they found human remains in an advanced state of decomposition.
Vehicle Connected to D4vd
The Tesla had been abandoned in Hollywood before being towed. The vehicle registration led police to the 20-year-old musician.
At the time, D4vd was on tour and had a planned Los Angeles performance on September 20. The remainder of his tour was abruptly canceled following the discovery.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Although Celeste’s remains were found dismembered, the official cause of death has not been determined. Lab results and toxicology tests are expected to help investigators understand how she died.
Until the medical findings are complete and the security hold is lifted, the case remains a death investigation, not yet officially classified as a homicide.
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