The family of Celeste Rivas says they are "devastated" after the release of a gruesome autopsy report, and they will not attend an upcoming court hearing for D4vd, the man charged with her murder.
Through their attorney, the Rivas Hernandez family described the findings as causing "profound emotional pain" and called the details "horrible and gruesome." They have asked for privacy, understanding, and patience as they cope with the tragedy.
Celeste's parents, Jesus and Mercedes, will not be present at D4vd's hearing scheduled for Thursday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had determined Celeste's cause and manner of death months ago, on December 9, but the findings were kept under seal due to a court-ordered security hold requested by LAPD during the investigation.
Now that the information is public, L.A. County Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo expressed sympathy, calling it "unfathomable" that the family had to wait so long for answers. Ukpo stressed that transparency is crucial for accountability and for helping communities understand and prevent future tragedies.
The autopsy report ruled Celeste's death a homicide caused by multiple penetrating injuries from unspecified object(s).
Authorities arrested D4vd last week, and he has been charged with Celeste's murder.