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A Los Angeles grand jury has taken a sharp turn in the case tied to 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. Officials and lawyers now say prosecutors may seek to force a reluctant witness to testify, and law enforcement could make an arrest soon.
Prosecutors press for a forced appearance as witness resists
According to reports, a female witness has not cooperated with grand jury proceedings. The Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman is asking the judge for a body attachment. That is a court order to take a witness into custody and bring her before the grand jury.
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TMZ reports the witness is represented by attorney Evan Jenness. Jenness also represents Robert Morgenroth, who managers the singer known as D4vd. Prosecutors say the witness missed a scheduled appearance, leaving Silverman visibly frustrated.
What a body attachment would mean for the case
- Immediate custody: Law enforcement can physically bring the witness to court.
- Compelled testimony: The witness would be required to answer questions before the grand jury.
- Potential legal consequences: Refusal to cooperate after an attachment can carry penalties.
Manager’s testimony and courtroom tensions
Robert Morgenroth reportedly sat for roughly three days of testimony. Outside the courtroom, he spoke with his lawyer and told media that exchanges with Deputy D.A. Silverman became heated during his time before the grand jury.
Morgenroth said Silverman pressed him about why he did not contact police. He told her he did not believe it was his responsibility. He also said his priority was keeping the artist’s tour moving.
How officers discovered the victim and the vehicle link
Police say the chain of events began when impound-lot staff noticed a foul odor coming from an impounded car. On September 8, officers were called in and found human remains inside the vehicle.
- The car was later identified as a 2023 Tesla.
- Registration tied the vehicle to David Anthony Burke, the musician who performs as D4vd.
- The victim was identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas of Lake Elsinore, in Riverside County.
Where the investigation stands: person of interest and cooperation questions
In November, law enforcement reportedly added D4vd to a list of persons of interest in the case. Sources told media that investigators believed the singer had not been fully cooperative.
Being labeled a person of interest does not equal criminal charges. It signals that investigators want more information from that individual.
Key takeaways about the probe
- Grand jury hearings remain active as prosecutors seek testimony.
- Authorities may execute a body attachment to compel a witness to testify.
- D4vd has been described as a person of interest, but no public charges have been announced.
