Authorities in Los Angeles have confirmed that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from “multiple penetrating injuries,” according to findings released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner after several months of investigative delay.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, stating that the injuries were caused by an unidentified object or objects. An autopsy report, completed on 9 December 2025, documented wounds to the chest and abdomen described as possible sharp force injuries. Forensic examination also found blue plastic fragments in some of the wounds. The report noted that the body had undergone significant decomposition, which limited further analysis.
Toxicology results identified the presence of MDMA or methamphetamine and a low level of alcohol, but officials said neither substance contributed to the cause of death.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in April 2025. Prosecutors allege she was killed on or around 5 May 2025, although her body was not discovered until September 2025, when it was found in a vehicle registered to singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd.
According to the medical examiner’s report, the remains were located in a black zippered bag in the front trunk of the vehicle. Additional findings indicated that parts of the body had been dismembered.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, said the teenager had visited Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills on 23 April 2025 and “was never heard from again.” He added: “A parent’s nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back.”
Burke, 21, was arrested in April 2026 and has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains. He entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance on 20 April 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Burke had a sexual relationship with the victim and that he killed her when she threatened to disclose the conduct. The charging documents state that the alleged motive was to prevent exposure that could have affected his personal life and musical career.
Burke’s legal representatives, including Blair Berk, said in a statement: “The actual evidence in this case will show that David did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death. We will vigorously defend his innocence.”
The chief medical examiner, Odey Ukpo, said the delay in releasing the findings was due to the ongoing investigation. “After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss,” he said.
In their first public statement issued after the arraignment, Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, described their daughter as “a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance.” They added: “We love her very much… We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”
Burke is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, where he has been placed in administrative segregation.
He is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, 23 April, for a follow-up hearing.
