Medical Examiner Rules Teen's Death a Homicide; Singer D4vd Faces Murder Charges

Medical Examiner Rules Teen's Death a Homicide; Singer D4vd Faces Murder Charges

Authorities in Los Angeles have concluded their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, determining that the teenager died from multiple penetrating injuries inflicted by an undisclosed object or objects. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office made the announcement on Wednesday, officially classifying the death as a homicide.

The girl's body was discovered in September in the front trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered to 21-year-old musician D4vd, a TikTok personality whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. The singer has been charged with murder and several other offences related to the incident. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty, with his legal team asserting their commitment to "vigorously defend his innocence."

Timeline of Events and Investigation

According to prosecutors, Rivas Hernandez was killed and her body dismembered on or around 5 May 2025, documents filed in court revealed. The teenager's remains were not discovered until September—a gap of more than four months between her death and the location of her body. Her parents had reported her missing in April after she failed to return home.

The medical examiner's office had examined Rivas Hernandez's remains shortly after they were found and determined the cause and manner of death on 9 December. However, the findings were withheld from public disclosure while police continued their investigation. Burke did not face arrest until last week, more than seven months after the discovery of the teenager's body.

Details of the Autopsy Findings

The medical examiner's report, reviewed by the BBC, revealed that stab wounds were discovered on the victim's abdomen and chest during the autopsy. Forensic analysis identified shredded blue plastic fragments embedded within some of the wounds. The teenager's body was located inside a black zippered bag placed in the front trunk of the vehicle.

A toxicology examination indicated the presence of methamphetamine or MDMA and a low level of alcohol in her system, though investigators determined that neither substance played a role in her death.

Medical Examiner and Law Enforcement Statements

Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo expressed relief that the findings could finally be released to the public and the grieving family. "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," Ukpo stated. "It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell defended the duration of the investigation on Monday, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness in pursuing justice. "My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part," he said. McDonnell noted that the substantial decomposition of the victim's remains complicated the forensic analysis and determination of cause of death.

The Defendant's Background and Current Status

D4vd, known for his songs "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me," made his first court appearance on 20 April 2026 and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. His defence attorneys—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—issued a statement expressing their belief that "the actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste" and that he was not responsible for her death.

Burke is currently held without bail and is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles court on Thursday at 0830 local time. Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body, the musician withdrew from public view, with his scheduled world tour being cancelled and several brand partnerships being terminated.

Family's Statement and Call for Justice

Rivas Hernandez's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, released their first public statement this week following Burke's court proceedings. "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together," the parents said. "We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is Justice for Celeste."

The family's legal representative, Patrick Steinfeld, indicated that the relatives were "devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke's arraignment."

Prosecutor's Account

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman outlined the circumstances of the case during a news conference, stating that the teenager visited Burke's residence in the Hollywood Hills on 23 April 2025 and "she was never heard from again." Hochman described the situation as "a parent's nightmare," emphasizing the profound suffering experienced by families when a child vanishes without explanation.