Tragedy deepens as internet rumors allege that Celeste Rivas’ family received money from the disgraced singer, D4vd. As speculations worsen, the victim’s father, Jesus Rivas, has broken his silence on the matter.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, Jesus told TMZ:
“I never had any contact with this guy and we haven’t received any money from him or anyone in his family.”
Rumors swirled on multiple social media platforms, such as Facebook and Reddit, and even sprouted around their hometown, Lake Elsinore, claiming that Celeste Rivas’ parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, received funds from the Romantic Homicide hitmaker.
The allegations grew in numbers during D4vd’s first hearing last week for the murder of Celeste Rivas, whose body parts had been discovered decomposed in the car trunk of the singer on Sept. 8, 2025, at the 1000 block of N. Mansfield Avenue because of an unpleasant smell.
The statement from the medical examiner was that:
“The deceased was found severely decomposed inside a vehicle. She appears to have been deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period of time before being found.”
According to Eyewitness News, D4vd’s car had been at the lot for days, adding that they confirmed the Tesla was registered to the singer.
At the time, D4vd was reported to be “fully cooperating,” per his representative to NBC Universal.
“d4vd has been informed about what’s happened. And, although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.”
Following her tragic death, Celeste Rivas’ family launched a GoFundMe to help cover her funeral expenses.
“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”
She was laid to rest on Oct. 6, 2025.
Celeste Rivas death: A brief timeline
Celeste Rivas was 11 years old when she first met the 16-year-old D4vd in January 2022. Per the prosecutors, the pair began their “sexual relationship” when she was 13, and he was 18.
She first went missing in February 2024, then in March, and finally in April 2024.
There was an intense argument between Celeste and D4vd via text on April 22, 2025, where Celeste apparently threatened to expose their affair to ruin his career. It was in that text exchange that the singer apparently said it would ruin his life.
The following day, which is the estimated date of Celeste Rivas’ death, she arrived at his Hollywood Hills home. In that period, according to prosecutors, D4vd reportedly texts her and asks, “where are you?” The reason why prosecutors believe that was a premeditated attempt to have an alibi is that she was already dead at that point.
In April 2026, D4vd was formally charged with first-degree murder, continuous child sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The preliminary hearing for the singer has been delayed after his court appearance on Wednesday, Apr. 29. Per reports, the defense requested more time to review the evidence, so the hearing has been postponed until May 26.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino