LOS ANGELES (RTW) — Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl linked to singer D4vd, died from penetrating injuries, according to a recently released autopsy report. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office declared her death a homicide.
The report had previously been sealed upon a judge's order in November, following the grim discovery of her dismembered remains in the trunk of a Tesla in Hollywood Hills in September. This week, prosecutors agreed to make the findings public.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder, among other felonies, and has pleaded not guilty. His defence team asserts that he did not cause Rivas Hernandez’s death as allegations unfurl regarding their supposed relationship that began when she was just 13 years old.
Prosecutors allege that D4vd killed Rivas Hernandez fearing she would expose their relationship, potentially endangering his rising music career.
A criminal complaint suggests that he used a sharp object to inflict fatal wounds and later dismembered her body. The autopsy revealed extensive injuries to her torso and indicated significant degradation, making it impossible for medical examiners to ascertain her eye color. Rivas Hernandez had braces at the time of her death and tattooed the word 'Shhh....' on one of her fingers—two fingers were also found to be missing.
Dr. Odey C. Ukpo, LA County’s Chief Medical Examiner, has stressed the importance of transparency in his office's work, voicing concern about the impact of sealed reports on public understanding and the grieving process for affected families. Following months of uncertainty, La County aims to provide clarity for the heartbroken family of Rivas Hernandez, who have endured considerable anguish.
Meanwhile, D4vd, whose music blends indie rock and pop, gained fame for his viral hit 'Romantic Homicide' on TikTok, prior to the release of his acclaimed EPs and debut album. This tragic case continues to unveil further questions regarding societal responsibility and justice.
