The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the autopsy report of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of a car belonging to singer D4vd. Hernandez’s remains were found in a Tesla that had been registered to the artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, on 8 September 2025. The report provides crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding her death, which has been classified as a homicide.
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According to the findings, Rivas Hernandez died as a result of “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s).” The report details that she suffered two penetrating wounds to her torso—specifically in the right abdomen, affecting her liver, and in the left chest, causing damage to her ribs. Additionally, the severe nature of her injuries included dismemberment of her upper and lower limbs, highlighting the brutality of the crime.
The autopsy report was made public following the recent murder charges against Burke, who was arraigned on 22 April 2024. The musician, now aged 21, is alleged to have killed Rivas on 23 April 2025, before maintaining her remains in his vehicle for several months. Prior to the release of the report, the cause of death had been under investigation, with authorities not identifying any suspects for several months.
A toxicology report indicated a “low level of ethanol” was present in Rivas Hernandez’s system, though investigators noted that this could have been caused by postmortem changes or prior ingestion. Notably, the initial screening also hinted at the potential presence of benzodiazepines, methamphetamines, and MDMA, but confirmation through further tests was required for those findings.
The release of the autopsy report marked a significant moment for the family of the deceased teenager, who have waited an extended period for clarity regarding her death. Dr. Odey Ukpo, the Chief Medical Examiner, expressed regret over the delay and emphasised the importance of transparency in the medical examiner’s work, stating that it was essential for community trust.
In a narrative accompanying the report, it was revealed that Rivas’s body had decomposed to an extent that her eye colour, age, and ethnicity were indistinguishable. Dismembered into several fragments, the report also highlighted a tattoo found on her right index finger, which read “Shhh…”—a detail linked to Burke, as a photograph surfaced of him bearing a matching tattoo.
Burke has been formally charged with first-degree murder, facing aggravated circumstances that include the potential for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty. This escalation in charges stems from claims that Rivas had previously acted as a witness in a separate legal case involving Burke concerning alleged lewd conduct with a minor.
Following Burke’s arrest, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, expressed a sense of relief at the prospect of justice for his daughter, describing the situation as profoundly tragic. Members of the legal community are currently assessing the implications of the charges against Burke, particularly in light of the horrific details revealed in the autopsy report.
At his arraignment on 22 April, Burke pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bail. He is currently held at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles, with a preliminary hearing slated for 23 April. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has yet to make a decision regarding the pursuit of the death penalty for this disturbing case.