Autopsy Confirms Teen Found in Musician's Car Died from Multiple Stab Wounds

An autopsy conducted on the remains of a 14-year-old girl discovered in a vehicle linked to singer D4vd has determined she succumbed to multiple penetrating injuries, according to findings released by Los Angeles County authorities.

The decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was located in the trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, 21, at a Hollywood impound lot in September. Examination revealed she sustained at least two deep wounds to her torso consistent with sharp force trauma.

Investigation Details

Prosecutors allege that Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd, used a sharp instrument to fatally wound the teenager. The medical examiner's office noted that postmortem decomposition significantly limited the scope of the examination, making certain determinations impossible—her eye color could not even be established.

The autopsy documented penetrating injuries affecting Rivas Hernandez's liver and chest cavity. Additionally, two of her fingers were absent, along with portions of her limbs, indicating the body had been dismembered.

Timeline of Events

Rivas Hernandez, age 13 at the time, was first reported missing from Lake Elsinore in February 2024, with her family filing multiple missing person reports over subsequent months. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated she was last seen entering Burke's Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025 and "was not heard from again."

Her remains were discovered one day after she would have celebrated her 15th birthday.

Criminal Charges

Burke was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts involving a minor under 14, and body mutilation. He has entered a not guilty plea, with his legal team committed to vigorously contesting the allegations.

Court documents indicate prosecutors allege Burke engaged in multiple acts of substantial sexual conduct with Rivas Hernandez spanning from September 2023 through September 2024. According to law enforcement, Burke allegedly murdered the teenager after she threatened to expose their relationship, fearing it would damage his music career. Authorities claim he then dismembered her body, placing it in bags within his vehicle's front trunk.

The Artist and Career Impact

Burke gained viral prominence on TikTok in 2022 with his song "Romantic Homicide," accumulating a substantial Gen Z following through his fusion of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. Following the death investigation's emergence, his final two U.S. tour dates and European touring leg were canceled.

Delayed Public Disclosure

While the autopsy was performed in September and the cause and manner of death were determined three months later, the Los Angeles Police Department obtained a court order preventing public release of the findings. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo acknowledged the delay in a recent statement, expressing concern for the family's extended period of uncertainty.

"It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter," Ukpo stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency in enabling community understanding and informed action.

Legal Proceedings

Burke remains incarcerated without bail. During his arraignment Monday, his attorney requested a public preliminary hearing within 10 days. Prosecutors retain the option to pursue capital punishment, though California Governor Gavin Newsom implemented a death penalty moratorium in 2019.