How photos, texts from D4vd's phone could shape the murder case

Summary by The Los Angeles Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Helen Jeong, Jonathan Lloyd and Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) · July 24, 2026 · 8 min read

Photo: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) · view original

What to Know Singer D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, who was reported missing in the spring of 2025. The Lake Elsinore girl’s decomposed body was found Sept. 8 in the front trunk of a Tesla impounded at a Los Angeles tow y...

Why this matters in The Los Angeles

The ongoing preliminary hearing for D4vd, charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, has significant implications for the Los Angeles community, particularly in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood where the Tesla was abandoned. The fact that the car was parked for over a month without raising suspicion highlights concerns about community vigilance and the potential for crimes to go undetected in densely populated areas. As the medical examiner resumes testimony, the focus will be on the forensic evidence that links D4vd to the crime, including the autopsy report and DNA samples found in the Tesla. The case also raises questions about the accountability of social media influencers, like D4vd, who have large followings and potential access to vulnerable individuals. As the hearing nears its conclusion, Los Angeles residents will be watching to see if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, and what measures can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

About this story

Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 24, 2026 · Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) · Reading time: 8 min

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Summary created by	The Los Angeles Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Helen Jeong, Jonathan Lloyd and Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 24, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 25, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

How photos, texts from D4vd's phone could shape the murder case

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