A recent autopsy report revealed that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl associated with singer D4vd, died from penetrating upper body wounds. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, which had delayed the report’s release, declared her death a homicide.
The autopsy faced challenges due to significant postmortem changes in the body, which was dismembered and decaying when discovered in two bags inside a Tesla in Hollywood Hills in September. The examination identified two penetrating wounds in the torso, with one reaching the liver and the other affecting her ribs. Additionally, the girl’s tube top showed signs of being cut in three places.
D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, a 21-year-old alt-pop artist, was charged with the murder, among other offenses. He pleaded not guilty, denying responsibility for Rivas Hernandez’s death, emphasizing his innocence, and disputing the accusations against him.
The victim’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, expressed their grief and longing for justice in their first public statement. They described Celeste as a vibrant girl who loved singing and movie nights with her family. Prosecutors alleged that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from exposing their inappropriate relationship, which started when she was 13.
Medical examiners noted the severe state of the body, making it challenging to determine basic details like eye color. Toxicology tests indicated minimal alcohol levels in the liver, likely due to postmortem changes. The examiner’s office, led by Dr. Odey C. Ukpo, stressed transparency and timely information dissemination, aiming to support families and the public in understanding such cases.
D4vd, known for his music blending indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, gained fame, especially with his viral track “Romantic Homicide” on TikTok. His music resonated with young audiences, and he achieved success with his EPs and albums, coinciding with the tragic events surrounding Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death.