Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s cause of death has now been confirmed.
According to autopsy details obtained by TMZ, the Los Angeles medical examiner ruled that the 14-year-old died as a result of homicide caused by two “penetrating wounds of the torso with smooth edges that may represent sharp force injuries.”
“The wound on the upper abdomen penetrates the liver and the wound on the left chest penetrates one of the left intercostal spaces, with disruption of the adjacent ribs’ cortical surfaces,” the report added.
D4vd (born David Anthony Burke) was arrested last Thursday (April 16) in connection to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death—seven months after her dismembered and decomposed body was discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him.
According to the Associated Press, the 21-year-old artist is facing charges including first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilation of a body.
On Monday, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office alleged that the “Romantic Homicide” singer “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.”
D4vd has pleaded not guilty and remains behind bars without bail. He was moved to the Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail on Monday and is reportedly being held in segregation.
Rivas’ remains were found last September in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd, which had been impounded after being reported abandoned.
She was last reportedly seen on April 23, 2025, when she visited D4vd’s Hollywood Hills rental home.
At the time her remains were found, D4vd was on tour promoting his album Withered. He still went on to perform on Sept. 9 at The Fillmore in Minneapolis after news of the discovery surfaced.
Following the incident, the rest of his tour dates were canceled, and a planned deluxe version of Withered never dropped.
If convicted, D4vd could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty is expected at a later stage.
Rivas’ family broke their silence on Tuesday (April 21), sharing a heartfelt statement thanking the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their efforts.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” the statement read. “We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”
