The cause of death for 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in rapper D4vd's Tesla in September 2025, has been officially released. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that she died from multiple injuries, including two wounds to her chest and abdomen, consistent with a sharp instrument. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Autopsy results, initially sealed by a court order in December 2025, were made public on 22 April. The report noted that while a preliminary toxicology screening showed a presumptive positive for MDMA and methamphetamine, a follow-up test found no evidence of MDMA and was inconclusive for methamphetamine. Alcohol may have been present but did not contribute to her death. The body was partially skeletonised and had been dismembered, complicating the autopsy.
Rapper David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, was charged with first-degree murder, along with special circumstances including murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait. He also faces charges of lewd acts with a minor under 14 and mutilating a body. Burke has pleaded not guilty and is due in court on 23 April for a preliminary hearing; he could face the death penalty if convicted.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in April 2024. Her remains were found in Burke's impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, where staff reported a foul odour. Investigators discovered a cadaver bag containing a head and torso, and another with additional body parts. The medical examiner noted the significant postmortem changes to the body, including partial skeletonisation.
