On September 24, 2025, a chilling narrative emerged from the Hollywood Hills, where the home of singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, became the focal point of a high-profile investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The investigation, tied to the tragic death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, has sent shockwaves through the community and garnered significant media attention. The property, a luxurious $4.1 million residence previously owned by actress Halle Berry, is now embroiled in a scandal involving a broken $20,000-a-month lease and unsettling questions about responsibility and accountability. This article delves into the details of the case, the homeowner’s perspective, the LAPD’s actions, and the broader implications of the incident, as reported by Hindustan Times and other sources.

Background of the Incident

The controversy began earlier in September 2025 when the body of Celeste Rivas was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. The grim discovery prompted an immediate investigation by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, which led authorities to D4vd’s Hollywood Hills residence on September 17. According to Hindustan Times, the police conducted a raid on the property, seizing various items as evidence in connection with Rivas’ death. While the specifics of the seized items remain undisclosed, the raid has intensified scrutiny on D4vd and his manager, Josh Marshall, who were both residing in the home at the time.

The Hollywood Hills property, valued at approximately $4.1 million, is a high-end residence with a storied history, having once been owned by Halle Berry. The home’s current owner, Mladen Trifunovic, spoke to the Daily Mail about the shocking developments, expressing his distress and disbelief at the situation unfolding in his property. Trifunovic was unaware that D4vd was living in the home, as the lease, signed in February 2024, was managed through a real estate agent and primarily involved Josh Marshall.

The Broken Lease and Move-Out

One of the most significant developments in this saga is the decision by D4vd and Marshall to abruptly terminate their $20,000-a-month lease following the LAPD raid. According to Trifunovic, Marshall has already begun removing items from the residence, with moving trucks expected to arrive shortly to complete the process. The decision to vacate the property appears to be a direct response to the ongoing investigation into Rivas’ death, which has cast a dark shadow over the home and its occupants.

The termination of the lease, which was reportedly worth over $20,000 per month, underscores the gravity of the situation. For Trifunovic, the news came as a shock, not only because of the financial implications but also due to the disturbing circumstances surrounding the case. In his interview with the Daily Mail, Trifunovic described the ordeal as “very disturbing,” noting that he is still trying to process the events and is anxiously awaiting the resolution of the investigation.

Homeowner’s Perspective: Mladen Trifunovic

Mladen Trifunovic’s statements to the Daily Mail provide a poignant glimpse into the emotional toll of the situation. As the homeowner, Trifunovic was blindsided by the revelation that D4vd was residing in the property, a fact that was not disclosed to him by the real estate manager handling the lease. His shock was compounded by the nature of the investigation, which involves the death of a young girl and serious questions about how such a tragedy could occur unnoticed.

Trifunovic’s comments reflect a broader sense of unease and a desire for accountability. “Like everyone else, I want to know who is responsible for this and how a little girl’s disappearance could slip through so many layers of responsibility,” he told the Daily Mail. His questions echo those of the public, who are grappling with the disturbing details of the case and seeking clarity on the circumstances that led to Rivas’ death. Trifunovic’s hope is that the investigation will swiftly uncover the truth and identify those responsible, whether directly or indirectly.

The LAPD Investigation

The LAPD’s involvement in the case has been thorough, with the Robbery-Homicide Division taking the lead in investigating Rivas’ death. On September 17, detectives executed a search warrant at D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home, seizing items that are believed to be relevant to the case. While the Hindustan Times article does not specify the nature of the evidence collected, the LAPD confirmed to Fox 11 Los Angeles that detectives are pursuing multiple leads to piece together the events leading to Rivas’ death.

The investigation has raised questions about the timeline of Rivas’ disappearance and the circumstances under which her body was found in D4vd’s Tesla. Authorities have not publicly named D4vd or Marshall as suspects, but their connection to the vehicle and the residence has placed them under intense scrutiny. The LAPD’s decision to involve the Robbery-Homicide Division, which typically handles high-profile or complex cases, underscores the seriousness of the investigation.

Public Reaction and Social Media

The case has also sparked significant discussion on social media platforms, with posts on X highlighting the developments and fueling public speculation. For instance, a post by X user @MarcoWatts_ was referenced in the Hindustan Times article, drawing attention to the broken lease and the ongoing investigation. Additionally, D4vd’s last Instagram post before the discovery of Rivas’ body has resurfaced, adding to the public’s interest in his activities leading up to the incident. These social media elements have amplified the story’s reach, turning it into a topic of national and international interest.

The resurfacing of D4vd’s social media activity has prompted speculation about his involvement, though no conclusive evidence has been made public. The combination of a celebrity’s name, a tragic death, and a high-profile police raid has created a media frenzy, with outlets like Daily Mail and Hindustan Times providing detailed coverage of the unfolding events.

Broader Implications

The case raises troubling questions about responsibility, oversight, and the safety of vulnerable individuals. Trifunovic’s pointed remarks about “layers of responsibility” highlight the need to examine how a young girl’s disappearance could go unnoticed and how her body ended up in a vehicle linked to a celebrity. The involvement of a high-profile figure like D4vd adds a layer of complexity to the case, as it draws attention to issues of privilege, accountability, and the potential for systemic failures.

Moreover, the incident underscores the challenges faced by property owners like Trifunovic, who may be unaware of the activities taking place in their homes when managed through third parties. The financial loss from the broken lease is significant, but it pales in comparison to the emotional and ethical weight of the situation. The case also highlights the role of media and social media in shaping public perception, as the rapid spread of information has intensified scrutiny on all parties involved.

Conclusion

The investigation into Celeste Rivas’ death and the subsequent LAPD raid on D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home have created a complex and deeply unsettling narrative. As the homeowner, Mladen Trifunovic, grapples with the shock of the events, the public and authorities alike are left searching for answers. The broken $20,000-a-month lease, the seizure of evidence, and the ongoing investigation all point to a case that is far from resolved. As the LAPD continues to pursue leads, the hope is that justice will be served for Celeste Rivas, and clarity will emerge regarding the circumstances of her tragic death. For now, the Hollywood Hills home, once a symbol of luxury and prestige, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety and the need for accountability in the face of tragedy.