Weeks after the body of missing Lake Elsinore teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found hidden in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to rising R&B star D4VD, many questions remain.
How did Celeste die? Was it murder? Who hid her body in the Tesla?
But for all the big questions we still don’t have answers to, there’s one we do. LAPD says someone hid Celeste’s body in that box. Regardless of the autopsy, this in itself may be a crime.
The Los Angeles Police Department told KTLA today that this is still an ongoing investigation and that the “news release stands alone.” In this press release dated September 29, the LAPD stated, “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of death of Ms. Rivas-Hernandez. As such, it remains unclear whether there is any criminal liability beyond concealment of her body.”
RHD is thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.
We went to KTLA Legal Analyst Allison Tressel. Tressel explains that what may be surprising is that concealing an accidental death is only a misdemeanor. It is a violation of Section 152 of the California Penal Code. The maximum you can be detained for this offense is up to one year in county jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.
So the big question comes down to the autopsy, which is still pending final judgment as to how Celeste died – was it an accident or murder?
Another surprise from Tressel: She points out that not reporting an accidental death is not a crime in California. Therefore, in order to be convicted under Article 152 of the Penal Code, a person must commit an overt act such as transporting, concealing or concealing a body.
Other facts yet to be determined: Was Celeste’s death accidental or not? Who put her body in the Tesla and why? To this day the case is still ongoing. No suspects have been named. The D4vd singer has not been accused of any crime.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney confirms that as of November 6, no cases have been submitted to his office for consideration.