Los Angeles lawyer Neama Rahmani warns that prolonged investigative gaps could compel the family to sue the LAPD for case records as pressure mounts over the unexplained death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
More than two months after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to once rising musician D4vd, the Los Angeles Police Department has made no arrests (and do not appear close to making one); a delay that one Los Angeles–based attorney says raises concerns about the pace and transparency of the investigation.
TMZ’s Harvey Levin released a new video this week summarizing LAPD’s latest position, stating the case remains an active “death investigation” with no determination of foul play, doubling down on the LAPD’s September statement claiming there may not be able criminal culpability beyond concealment of a body. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not publicly determined a cause or manner of death, though based on past cases, it’s very likely they received the toxicology report back and are not sharing.
The department has also not publicly clarified several early claims that emerged immediately after the discovery, including reports that Rivas Hernandez was “wrapped in plastic” and “appeared dismembered.” Those allegations have not been supported in LAPD’s official statements, which also did not reference abuse of a corpse.
Online communities following the case remain adamant that “Celeste did not put herself in the trunk,” and point to what they say is evidence of a friendship or potential relationship between the teen and 19-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. Burke cancelled his tour soon after the discovery and transferred ownership of his Texas homes to his mother. He has not been charged with a crime and has not made any public statement.
Los Angeles attorney Neama Rahmani, co-founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, said the lack of movement is unusual. He tells Los Angeles, “I’m surprised LAPD hasn’t made an arrest yet,” Rahmani said. “Obviously, law enforcement shouldn’t rush the investigation and should get it right, but Celeste Rivas’ body was found more than two months ago and her remains were turned over to her family. That means the forensic investigation was concluded. The only thing remaining was the toxicology report and that should have been completed by now.”
Rivas had been reported missing in February of 2024, around 19 months before her death. Her body was discovered September 8th inside the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla after it was towed from Doheny street in Los Angeles. Police have not said who placed the teen in the vehicle, though LA Private Investigator Steve Fischer has indicated that he is aware of who it is.
Rahmani said even without a clear cause of death, criminal liability may already exist.
“Celeste was missing for a year and a half before she was found dead, and even if her death was an accident, concealing her body is a crime,” he said. “Delay is a problem because witnesses and evidence can disappear, and perpetrators can flee. Making an arrest on lesser charges may also motivate those responsible to cooperate.”
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Public frustration has continued to mount, with online commentators pressing LAPD for updates and transparency. Rahmani said the timeline risks further eroding trust in local law enforcement.
“I live and work in Los Angeles, and unfortunately the slow pace of this investigation perpetuates the perception that LAPD is overworked and overwhelmed,” he said. “Hopefully those responsible for Celeste’s death face the criminal justice they deserve and very soon. If the delay continues, the victim’s family should file a civil lawsuit to force law enforcement to turn over the evidence in its possession.”
LAPD has not announced when additional findings, including toxicology, are expected to be released. The investigation remains open.
