Autopsy Reveals Teen Died of Penetrating Injuries

An autopsy report has revealed that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of singer D4vd's car last September, died from multiple penetrating injuries to her torso. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced on Wednesday that the cause and manner of death were homicide, according to UPI, BBC, and The Guardian.

The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors on Monday with murder, unlawful mutilation of human remains, and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Prosecutors allege that Burke invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and she was never seen again. The body was found in two bags in the front trunk of his Tesla, which had sat in a Los Angeles tow yard for four months.

The autopsy report states that two penetrating wounds were discovered: one to the right abdomen and one to the left chest. The upper and lower extremities of the body were also dismembered, and the body had undergone "severe postmortem changes," according to UPI. Presumptive positives for benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA were found in her system during an initial screening. The report listed the date and place of injury as "unknown."

The release of the autopsy findings was delayed due to a court order that prevented the medical examiner's office from disclosing the information until now. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo expressed gratitude that the information could finally be released, noting the profound impact on Celeste's grieving family. "It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter," Ukpo said in a statement.

Burke was arrested by authorities in Los Angeles last Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorneys maintain his innocence, stating that the evidence will show he did not kill Celeste. "We will vigorously defend David's innocence," his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter said in a statement to BBC. Burke is due back in Los Angeles court on Thursday at 0830 local time (1630 BST).

The Rivas Hernandez family expressed their devastation over the findings. "These findings have caused profound pain for the family," said Patrick Steinfeld, a lawyer for Celeste's family, according to UPI. The family also released a statement thanking the police and prosecutors for their support, describing Celeste as a "beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance."

The case has drawn significant attention due to Burke's status as a TikTok star and alt-pop singer. His world tour was canceled, and deals with brands were reportedly axed after the discovery of Celeste's body in his car last year. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell defended the agency's handling of the case, emphasizing the need for patience and discipline to secure justice for Celeste.