Show summary Hide summary
Celeste Rivas Hernandez autopsy reveals the devastating truth about how she died. The 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore suffered multiple penetrating injuries, coroner officials confirmed Wednesday. Singer D4vd faces first-degree murder charges in her death.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Victim identified: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 14, from Lake Elsinore, California
- Body discovered: September 8, 2025 in trunk of Tesla registered to singer David Burke (D4vd)
- Cause of death: Multiple penetrating injuries, ruled homicide by LA County Medical Examiner
- Arrest date: April 16, 2026 after 7-month investigation into the teen’s death
Autopsy Report Released After Months of Secrecy Hold
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released autopsy findings Wednesday that had been sealed since November. The report confirmed Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from penetrating injuries caused by sharp objects. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo stated the family had waited far too long for answers.
Her body weighed only 71 pounds when discovered and was in advanced decomposition. The medical examiner found significant wounds to her torso, likely from a blade. Blue plastic fragments were embedded in cut surfaces, suggesting possible murdering weapon details.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez autopsy reveals penetrating wounds as D4vd faces murder charge
Maura Higgins flaunts £17k Birkin from Traitors’ Rob Rausch, sets up DWTS
D4vd Arrested on First-Degree Murder Charges
Singer David Burke, professionally known as D4vd, was arrested April 16 on suspicion of murder. The 21-year-old alt-pop artist gained fame with his 2022 viral hit “Romantic Homicide” on TikTok. He pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder with special circumstances.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste to protect his music career. She allegedly threatened to expose their sexual relationship, which began when she was 13 years old. The district attorney is considering seeking the death penalty in the case.
Investigation Timeline and Evidence Details
Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s Hollywood Hills rental home. Prosecutors estimate she died around that date. Her dismembered remains were found seven months later in Burke’s impounded Tesla on September 8, 2025.
| Key Detail | Information |
| Body location | Front trunk of Tesla in Hollywood Hills |
| Time in trunk | Approximately 11 days visible on street |
| Discovery method | Tow yard worker reported foul odor |
| Body condition | Advanced decomposition, partially dismembered |
“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. It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”
— Dr. Odey Ukpo, Chief Medical Examiner, LA County
Family’s Heartbreak and Call for Justice
Celeste’s family from Lake Elsinore released a statement calling her a beautiful girl who loved to sing and dance. They thanked law enforcement for their work while expressing profound grief over losing their daughter. Every Friday night had been movie night for the close-knit family.
The family attended Burke’s first court appearance Monday and continues pushing for accountability. They have been vocal about wanting a thorough investigation into all responsible parties. Community members in Lake Elsinore held vigils honoring the teenager’s memory.
What Happens Next in the Murder Case?
The case moves toward trial with prosecutors assembling 40 terabytes of evidence. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman will lead prosecution in the Major Crimes Division. Burke faces either life imprisonment without parole or potential death penalty if convicted on special circumstances charges.
Defense attorney Blair Berk, known for representing celebrities, states that evidence will show Burke did not murder Celeste. The legal team maintains their client’s innocence despite the serious charges. Burke remains jailed without bail pending trial. How the jury views the autopsy evidence will likely prove critical to the guilty verdict or acquittal outcome.
Sources
- AP News: Breaking coverage of autopsy release and murder charges against D4vd
- ABC7 Los Angeles: Detailed medical examiner findings and investigation updates
- LA County District Attorney: Official criminal charges and prosecutorial statements on the case
