The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has released the autopsy report for 14-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, confirming that the teenager died from “multiple penetrating injuries.” According to ABC7 Chicago, the document was made public this week following a months-long legal battle during which the file had been sealed by a court order requested by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The release of the report provides new insight into the death of Rivas-Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of an abandoned Tesla registered to 21-year-old alt-pop singer David Burke, known professionally as d4vd.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition of the remains when they were recovered, the medical examiner noted that the autopsy was constrained; however, findings revealed significant wounds to the teen’s torso, which examiners believe were caused by a sharp object.
Read more about this topic: Singer d4vd charged with the murder of 14-year-old (with video)
David Burke was arrested earlier this month and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, continuous lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke engaged in a sexual relationship with Rivas-Hernandez after meeting her when she was 13, and that he killed her to prevent her from reporting the relationship, which he allegedly feared would jeopardize his career.
The autopsy report, which prosecutors recently agreed to unseal, also noted that toxicology screenings showed “presumptive positive” results for methamphetamine and MDMA, though examiners could not definitively determine if these substances or other factors played a direct role in the death.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense attorneys have maintained his innocence, asserting that the evidence will prove he was not responsible for the teen’s death. The case continues to move through the judicial system as authorities pursue justice for the 14-year-old victim.
