Retired Sergeant Joe Giacalone explains why charges have not been filed yet in Celeste Rivas' murder case during Us Weekly’s Uncovered
Celeste Rivas was just 14 years old when she ran away from home in April 2024. Her family’s worst fears were confirmed more than one year later when her dismembered remains were discovered inside an impounded Tesla that was registered to her boyfriend, singer D4vd, in September 2025.
Four months after Rivas’ body was found, investigative reporter Kristin Thorne breaks down why an arrest hasn’t been made yet during the latest episode of Us Weekly’s Uncovered. “Celeste had run away from her home in California several times, but in April of 2024 she didn't come back,” Thorne began, pointing out that “there's been a lot of speculation” about whether or not D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, had anything to do with her murder. D4vd, 20, has insisted he’s had nothing to do with Rivas’ death, and no charges have been pressed against him. However, prosecutors may now be considering criminal charges. Thorne dug deeper into the case while speaking to retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone, who explained that the case was moving slowly because investigators are “probably getting a lot of tips” and “a lot of phone calls.” “Because this is such a huge media case, and people want to know the answers, they want to know the answers to what caused her death? Who caused her death? If anybody caused her death,” Giacalone said. “I think people need to be patient. I think investigators will come up with the answers that everyone is looking for.” Giacalone added that if investigators “rush” the investigation, they might end up “making a mistake.” The retired officer went on to share the evidence that investigators have likely found, including video surveillance footage from the Tesla where Rivas’ remains were discovered. “Teslas, we know, are very highly advanced technologically. So there's going to be lots of different clues from that, but I think the video surveillance from that Tesla itself is going to be the driving force behind who they focus in on,” Giacalone said. He added that internet records will also play a “big role” in the case. “Many young girls are on social media,” Giacalone said, explaining that authorities can determine the timeline of events based on when Rivas stopped posting online. Both Thorne and Giacalone agreed that D4vd isn’t necessarily responsible for Rivas’ murder solely because her remains were found in his car. “He has an entourage. He has all these people that work for him and all these different things that go on,” Giacalone said of other potential suspects. While the case has made headlines, Thorne pointed out that not every detail has been shared with the public. For example, Rivas’ exact cause of death isn’t known and it has not been shared if drugs were involved. “The unlawful disposal of a body in just about every state is only a misdemeanor,” Giacalone said. “And yes, you can charge somebody with that to hold them, but it's not going to hold them long.” Giacalone concluded that the investigation shouldn’t be rushed in order to ensure an accurate conclusion. “The public should understand that these things sometimes take time and the police need evidence in order to bring it to court,” he said. He said that members of the public can “speculate” about Rivas’ death, though police have to find evidence to back up their theories and present it to the District Attorney before anyone can be arrested.
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