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Celeste Rivas Hernandez autopsy reveals devastating details. The 14-year-old‘s medical examiner report, released April 22, 2026, confirms multiple penetrating injuries. Singer D4vd faces capital murder charges in what authorities describe as a brutal homicide.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Cause of Death: Multiple penetrating injuries caused by objects, ruled homicide by LA County Medical Examiner
- Body Discovery: Found September 8, 2025, in Tesla trunk at Hollywood tow yard, dismembered and decomposed
- Suspect Charged: D4vd (David Anthony Burke), 21-year-old ‘Romantic Homicide’ singer, charged Monday with first-degree murder
- Timeline: Celeste reported missing April 2024 from Lake Elsinore; found a day after turning 15
Autopsy Details Expose Penetrating Wounds
The LA County Medical Examiner’s report documents two penetrating wounds to Celeste’s torso. The findings identify sharp force injuries and additional wounds penetrating her chest and liver. The manner of death was officially ruled homicide. Medical examiners noted the autopsy investigation was limited by extensive postmortem changes and decomposition from seven months underground.
The teen’s dismembered remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. Her body was found in two cadaver bags at Hollywood Tow, shocking workers who reported a strong odor from the vehicle. The grim discovery came exactly one day after she would have celebrated her 15th birthday.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez autopsy reveals multiple penetrating injuries
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Toxicology Results Add New Dimension to Case
Beyond the penetrating injuries, the autopsy revealed presumptive positives for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine/MDMA in Celeste’s system. These toxicology findings raise additional questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. The Medical Examiner report was formally filed as case number 2025-14252 in the LA County system.
| Case Detail | Information |
| Case Number | 2025-14252 |
| Cause of Death | Multiple penetrating injuries by object(s) |
| Manner of Death | Homicide |
| Date Released | April 22, 2026 |
| Examined By | LA County Medical Examiner |
According to NBC News, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo stated upon release of the findings that the information provides essential transparency for the family and community, allowing informed decisions to prevent future tragedies.
— Dr. Odey Ukpo, LA County Chief Medical Examiner
D4vd Faces Capital Murder Charges as Investigation Continues
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested and charged Monday, April 20, 2026. The 21-year-old TikTok star faces first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains charges. He pleaded not guilty in court and is being held without bail. Defense attorneys have pledged to vigorously defend his innocence.
The arrest came seven months after Celeste’s remains were discovered. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman alleged the murder occurred because Celeste threatened D4vd’s music career. Prosecutors filed three sentencing enhancements: lying in wait, financial gain, and murder to prevent witness testimony about alleged sexual conduct when she was under age 14.
When and Where Did Everything Unfold
Celeste vanished April 5, 2024, from Lake Elsinore, southeast of Los Angeles. Her family reported her missing shortly after. D4vd’s tour was in Minneapolis when the discovery happened in September 2025. The Tesla remained parked in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood for extended periods before being towed on the fateful day. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the extensive time between death and discovery degraded crucial evidence.
Celeste’s family released a statement describing her as a beautiful, strong girl who loved singing, dancing, and Friday movie nights. They said they simply want justice for Celeste. Her body was released for funeral services and buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California on October 6, 2025.
What Comes Next in This Horrific Murder Case
The autopsy release removes a major legal barrier that previously sealed case documents from public view. The LA Police Department had obtained a security hold preventing the Medical Examiner from sharing details. Since that hold was lifted, the public now understands the violent nature of Celeste’s death. Additional court proceedings will determine sentencing enhancements and any co-conspirators in the case. Will the evidence proving D4vd’s guilt exceed the reasonable doubt threshold?
Sources
- ABC7 Los Angeles – Autopsy report released April 22, 2026, confirming multiple penetrating injuries as cause of death
- NBC News – Medical Examiner determines homicide ruling; Details on D4vd’s arrest and charges
- NBC Los Angeles – Chief Medical Examiner statement on transparency and analysis of the case timeline
