An autopsy report revealed on Wednesday that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl allegedly killed by singer D4vd, died from penetrating wounds to her upper body. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office classified her death as a homicide, a report that had been delayed for months. The autopsy faced challenges due to the body’s dismembered and decomposed state when discovered in two bags inside a Tesla in Hollywood Hills.
The examination unveiled two smooth-edged penetrating wounds on her torso, possibly caused by sharp force injuries. The wounds included one on the upper abdomen that reached the liver and another on the left chest that affected her ribs. Additionally, her tube top showed signs of being cut in three places.
D4vd, also known as David Burke, a 21-year-old alt-pop singer, was charged with the murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilating a body. Despite the charges, his defense team asserts his innocence, denying any involvement in Rivas Hernandez’s death. Prosecutors claim Burke killed the girl out of fear that she would expose their inappropriate relationship, which began when she was 13, potentially harming his career.
The victim’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, expressed their grief and desire for justice for Celeste, emphasizing her love for singing and dancing and their cherished family moments. The grim details of the crime scene included the discovery of the girl’s dismembered body parts in separate bags inside the trunk of the Tesla.
The medical report noted the body’s severe degradation, making it difficult to determine certain physical characteristics. Toxicology tests indicated a low level of alcohol in the liver, deemed inconsequential due to postmortem changes. Dr. Odey C. Ukpo, L.A. County’s Chief Medical Examiner, stressed the importance of transparency and timely information release, acknowledging the family’s long wait for answers.
D4vd, a rising music artist blending indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, gained popularity with hits like “Romantic Homicide” on TikTok and Billboard charts. Despite his musical success, the murder case has cast a dark shadow over his career.