Autopsy Reveals 14-Year-Old Died From Stab Wounds in Case Against Singer D4vd

The medical examiner's office determined that Celeste Rivas Hernandez sustained multiple penetrating injuries, with a wound that penetrated her liver. The autopsy report was finally released this week after months of judicial sealing.

An autopsy conducted by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from penetrating wounds, according to findings released Wednesday. The examination, completed in December, was previously withheld from public disclosure following a law enforcement request to seal the document, but prosecutors moved to lift the restriction this week.

"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," Medical Examiner Dr. Odey C. Ukpo stated. "It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."

Discovery and Investigation

In September, police discovered the girl's decomposed remains in bags placed in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the artist in the Hollywood Hills. The advanced state of decomposition complicated the medical examiner's initial determination of cause of death, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

The autopsy report indicates the teenager sustained significant wounds across her torso, apparently inflicted by a sharp instrument. Among her injuries was a penetrating wound to her liver. Due to the body's decomposition, examiners were unable to determine her eye color. At the time of her death, she wore dental braces and had a tattoo reading "Shhh…." on the inside of one finger. Two additional fingers were missing, along with portions of her arms and legs.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

On Monday, 21-year-old alt-pop singer D4vd—whose legal name is David Burke—was charged in connection with the killing. He entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilating a dead body.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman disclosed this week that Burke engaged in a sexual relationship with Celeste. The murder charge includes special circumstance allegations, including lying in wait, killing the teenager to protect his "lucrative" music career, and murdering a witness to an investigation.

According to prosecutors, Celeste visited Burke's residence on April 23, 2025, and was never seen again. Investigators allege he killed her after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship, which began when she was 13 years old, fearing the disclosure would damage his emerging career. A criminal complaint states he killed her using a sharp object and dismembered the body approximately two weeks later.

Burke's legal team maintains their client did not cause Celeste's death and pledged to "vigorously defend his innocence."

Medical Examiner's Stance on Transparency

Since assuming the position three years ago, Ukpo has worked to establish the medical examiner's office as independent from law enforcement and committed to public transparency. He has previously stated that sealing autopsy reports does not benefit investigations and has indicated he would only withhold reports when required by court order.