Autopsy Released in D4vd Case: Teen Died From Penetrating Wounds
Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death a homicide from multiple penetrating injuries after a sealed report was unsealed and released on Wednesday.
BBC NewsCause of death released for teen found dead in singer D4vd's car
ABC NewsD4vd murder case: Teen's cause of death released in medical examiner report
The GuardianTeen whom singer D4vd is charged with killing died from penetrating wounds
Associated PressCeleste Rivas Hernandez, teen in murder case against singer D4vd, grew up in sleepy California town
Overview
The Los Angeles County medical examiner released an autopsy report on Wednesday that ruled Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death a homicide from multiple penetrating injuries, according to the report.
The report said the 14-year-old had two penetrating torso wounds, including one that penetrated the liver, and showed extensive postmortem changes that limited the examination.
Prosecutors charged 21-year-old singer David Burke, known as D4vd, with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and mutilating a dead body, and his attorneys have pleaded not guilty.
Investigators found Rivas Hernandez's dismembered and decomposed remains in two bags in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke on Sept. 8, 2025, and prosecutors said she was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025.
Burke remains held without bail, a status conference is scheduled for Thursday, and prosecutors said investigators are continuing the probe and asked anyone with additional information to come forward.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources foreground sensational and violent details, using stark language and graphic lead sentences to frame the case as horrific. They prioritize prosecutorial condemnation and the family’s grief while highlighting medical examiner findings, with minimal defense perspective or broader investigative context — producing a justice-focused, emotive narrative.