Autopsy Report Reveals Teen Celeste Rivas Died From Multiple Stab Wounds to Torso

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has released a previously sealed autopsy report detailing that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez succumbed to multiple penetrating injuries inflicted on her upper abdomen and chest. The findings were disclosed Wednesday, days after singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) was formally charged with her murder on Monday, April 20.

According to the 26-page autopsy report obtained by Rolling Stone, Rivas sustained two stab wounds characterized by smooth edges consistent with sharp force injuries. The first wound on her right abdomen penetrated her liver and measured approximately 1.5 inches deep, while a second wound on her left lower chest extended at least 2 inches deep, damaging one of the left intercostal spaces and disrupting adjacent rib surfaces.

Official Cause and Manner of Death

The medical examiner's office formally determined the cause of death on December 9, 2025, classifying it as homicide. The report states:

"The cause of death is multiple penetrating injuries. The manner of death is classified as homicide."

Toxicology analysis performed on liver tissue revealed the presence of a low level of ethanol, though investigators determined this did not contribute to her death and could not confirm whether it resulted from ingestion or postmortem changes.

Seven-Month Delay in Public Release

The autopsy release comes seven months after Rivas' dismembered remains were discovered in two black bags concealed in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Law enforcement maintained strict confidentiality throughout the investigation and obtained a court order preventing the coroner's office from releasing findings publicly.

The Medical Examiner's office openly opposed the secrecy order, arguing it prevented them from "serving our community with full transparency." Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo expressed relief at the disclosure:

"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."

Details of Remains and Evidence

The report provides extensive documentation of Rivas' remains, revealing the severity of decomposition. Her face and body had deteriorated so significantly that visual identification was impossible, and her age, ethnicity, and eye color could not be determined from physical examination.

Investigators documented that:

• Her arms and legs had been dismembered into multiple fragments
• Her body showed signs of liquefication
• Her fingers were too waterlogged for fingerprinting
• Her left ring and pinky fingers appeared mutilated and were never recovered

Rivas was clothed in a tube top with multiple holes in the front and back, underwear, black leggings, and black socks. Identification became possible through a distinctive tattoo on her right index finger reading "Shhh…"—a marking shared with Burke, whose similar tattoo surfaced during the investigation.

Criminal Charges and Timeline

Burke faces one count of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including lying in wait, murdering a witness in an ongoing investigation, and financial gain. He was also charged with sexual acts with a person under 14 and mutilating human remains. Burke pleaded not guilty at his Monday arraignment.

According to prosecutors, Rivas was last seen entering Burke's Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated she was never heard from again, with authorities contending she was killed that same day. Her body was allegedly mutilated on or about May 5.

Prior to her death, Rivas was serving as a witness in an ongoing investigation into Burke for alleged lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a person under 14.

Investigative Evidence

The autopsy report documents investigative procedures, noting that handlers and zippers of the cadaver bags containing Rivas' head and torso were swabbed, likely for DNA and fingerprint analysis. The bags featured three handles on each side plus two additional handles at top and bottom. The report also notes that small blue plastic pieces were recovered from the cut sites on her arms and legs, providing potential forensic evidence.