A newly released autopsy report has laid bare the horrific circumstances surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, BBC reports. The teenager, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a vehicle belonging to the pop singer D4vd, died from multiple penetrating injuries to her upper body.
Following a months-long delay, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office unsealed documents on Wednesday that officially ruled the death a homicide. The detailed findings provide the first comprehensive look at the brutal nature of the crime that has resulted in first-degree murder charges against 21-year-old musician David Anthony Burke.
Injuries and dismemberment
According to the post-mortem examination, Rivas Hernandez suffered significant sharp force trauma. Pathologists identified two distinct penetrating wounds on her torso with smooth edges indicating the use of a sharp object. One strike fatally penetrated her liver while another damaged her ribs. Forensic teams also noted that a tube top she was wearing had been sliced in three separate places.
The report paints a grim picture of the scene inside the front boot of Burke’s abandoned Tesla where her body was found in September 2025. Investigators discovered her head and torso concealed within a black zipped body bag while her severed arms and legs had been placed in a separate plastic bag. Shredded blue plastic was also recovered from within some of the wounds.
Because of severe decomposition, medical examiners faced immense difficulties during their analysis. The remains were so heavily degraded that experts could not even determine her eye colour. However, they were able to record identifying features including dental braces and a tattoo reading «Shhh….» on the inside of one of her fingers. The report further confirmed that two other fingers were missing entirely.
Toxicology and legal proceedings
A toxicology screening formed part of the extensive examination. The results showed a presumptive positive for methamphetamine and MDMA. A low level of alcohol was also detected, though officials noted this was likely the result of natural chemical changes following death rather than active consumption. None of these substances were deemed contributing factors to her homicide.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo expressed his relief that the findings are finally public. He acknowledged the unimaginable pain endured by the victim’s family as they waited for answers while the police investigation necessitated a strict judicial sealing order.
Prosecutors allege that Burke murdered the young girl and dismembered her body to prevent her from exposing an illegal sexual relationship that could have destroyed his rising musical career. Burke currently remains in custody without bail and his legal team insists he is entirely innocent of all charges.
