TMZ has released a new report stating that, after speaking with the LAPD, police are no closer to making an arrest in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered inside singer D4vd’s Tesla.

How is this possible? Is the LAPD being fully transparent? What is happening behind the scenes? We break down every angle with the help of a retired detective.
Welcome to Sidebar, presented by Law & Crime. I’m Jesse Weber.

Why Isn’t There an Arrest Yet?

TMZ’s Harvey Levin says they contacted LAPD on November 17th and were told:

An arrest is not imminent

Police still don’t know if this was a homicide

They couldn’t confirm whether the medical examiner or toxicology reports are complete

Toxicology results can take months, but Levin insists they “must have the results by now”

Levin even speculated—without evidence—that an overdose is possible.

Despite major questions about how Celeste’s body ended up in the trunk of a Tesla that was later towed to a yard, no one— including D4vd—has been named a suspect, person of interest, or connected to a crime.

The Evidence That Should Point to an Arrest

Private investigator Steve Fischer, hired by the owner of the rental property where D4vd was staying, claims:

Surveillance footage shows who moved the Tesla

The Tesla was parked in its final location with the body already inside

The car had not been used for months and was “caked with dirt”

Prior Instagram videos show the Tesla was used frequently—until early in the year, when it suddenly disappeared

Police removed materials from the house that suggest a possible plan to dispose of the body

Fischer claims there is “scary, sadistic” physical evidence from the house that he cannot publicly detail

He believes the autopsy and toxicology results may arrive soon

Fischer also said his findings were turned over to law enforcement, though LAPD would not confirm anything.

So Why No Arrest?

LAPD previously told KTLA that, as of now, the only potential crime is:

Concealment of a body

But even with that, no arrest is imminent.

This is confusing because:

Celeste’s body was hidden in a car trunk

Someone clearly moved the Tesla

Evidence was allegedly removed from the home

Surveillance footage reportedly identifies the driver

Toxicology results may already exist

The investigation has been ongoing since September 8th

Yet LAPD maintains its position: “not close” to making an arrest.

Expert Reaction

Retired detective Matt Irvine joined the show to discuss whether LAPD is being truthful and how to interpret their stance. Irvine believes police are likely being straightforward with TMZ and that the lack of movement may come down to:

Uncertainty about cause of death

Lack of proof tying anyone to the actual death, even if they moved the vehicle

The need to avoid wrongful accusations in a high-profile case