LAKE ELSINORE, CA - SEPTEMBER 25, 2025: Photographs, intimate notes, and flowers are among the items left at a memorial on Thursday for slain teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez who was found dead in the trunk of a Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard on September 25, 2025 in Lake Elsinore, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Celeste Rivas Hernandezs case continues to unfold as investigators track a disturbing trail of evidence across different parts of the state. Investigators later discovered one of her personal items in a remote, wooded area far from where she was last seen. And, it’s raising new questions about how it ended up there. As authorities work to connect the locations and timeline, the case is becoming more complex with each new detail uncovered.
According to TMZ, authorities have confirmed new details in the ongoing investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. And, it includes how one of her personal identification items was recovered months after her disappearance. According to officials cited by Caltrans, a maintenance worker was performing traffic control on State Route 154 near Painted Cave Road on January 7, 2026. They allegedly discovered Celestes passport card in brush along a remote, wooded area about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Furthermore, the worker reported the finding to supervisors, who then contacted the California Highway Patrol, which collected the item at the scene. Detectives later returned to the area on January 17 to follow up as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators allege that personal belongings linked to Celeste were disposed of in the Santa Barbara County region following her death. The court filing alleges that on the night of April 23, 2025, D4vd arranged a ride-share to pick up Celeste Hernandez from her home in Lake Elsinore, transporting her to his Hollywood Hills residence. Prosecutors claim the two exchanged only two messages before Hernandezs phone abruptly went silent, raising concerns about her whereabouts.
Later that same night, around 11:30 p.m., investigators say D4vd drove his Tesla north along Highway 101. He reportedly drove toward San Marcos Pass Road (SR-154) near Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara County. Nonetheless, according to the filing, he allegedly returned to the same remote area on May 8 and again on May 31.
As previously reported, Celeste Rivas father, Jesus Rivas, has spoken out through attorney Patrick Steinfeld, who reportedly represents the family. Jesus addressed circulating claims tied to the case. As online speculation continued to spread about possible financial arrangements or contact with D4vd, Jesus set the record straight and rejected those narratives outright. In his statement, he made it clear, saying, I never had any contact with this guy and we havent received any money from him or anyone in his family.
