HOLLYWOOD (CNS) – The body of Celeste Rivas, the 15-year-old girl whose decomposing and dismembered body was found at a Hollywood tow yard in the front trunk of a Tesla owned by popular singer D4vd, is in the custody of her family today, with an October memorial service planned for the teen.
According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, the body has been released and a GoFundMe campaign has raised almost $25,000 to help pay for her funeral costs.
“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week,” the girl’s family said in a statement posted to the GoFundMe page, which indicated a service was planned for Oct. 4. “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.”
Community members gathered for a vigil in Celeste Rivas’ hometown of Lake Elsinore on Sunday to remember the teen whose remains were found in the car, which was registered in Texas to D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, whose performing career appears to have come to a halt.
The vehicle had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for an extended period before it was towed to an official police impound lot.
Rivas had been reported missing by her mother last year, when the girl was just 13. The mother has told reporters that D4vd – pronounced “David” – was the girl’s boyfriend.
Her remains were found on Sept. 8, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
The Tesla had been abandoned near a home in the 1300 block of Doheny Place, not far from a home D4vd had rented.
Last week, police served a search warrant at the house and took several items as possible evidence in the ongoing investigation into Rivas’ death, according to the LA Police Department.
D4vd was on the last leg of a U.S. tour when Rivas’ body was discovered. Several shows were canceled, including one that had been scheduled for Saturday night at LA’ Greek Theatre.
According to various reports, his label, Interscope Records, has halted all promotion of D4vd’s latest record, “Withered,” and a deluxe version of the LP that was to have dropped on Friday.
At Sunday’s vigil, several people expressed grief and suspicion over the Rivas’ death.
D4vd has a tattoo that matches the one reading “Shhh” that the LA County medical examiner revealed was on Rivas’ index finger.
A representative for the singer has said that his client is cooperating with the investigation.