The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from "multiple penetrating injuries," officially classifying her death as a homicide. The findings were released on April 22, nearly seven months after her body was discovered and a week after musician D4vd was arrested in connection with her death.
According to the medical examiner's report, the teenager sustained two penetrating wounds to her left chest and upper abdomen, including an injury to her liver. Her body was found dismembered in September inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. Toxicology results also indicated the presence of benzodiazepines and methamphetamine/MDMA in her system.
D4vd was arrested on April 16 and subsequently charged with one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege the crimes occurred after he invited the teen to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025—the last day she was known to be alive.
"Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her," said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman in a press statement. "When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car."
The criminal complaint includes a special allegation that D4vd used a sharp instrument as a deadly weapon. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held without bail.
"The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," his attorneys stated in response to the charges. "We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
Celeste's family expressed gratitude for the public support throughout the investigation, remembering her as a vibrant young person.
"Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance," her family shared. "We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."