The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is under scrutiny after officials launched an investigation into more than a dozen employees suspected of leaking graphic details surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The leaks allegedly provided media outlets with sensitive information from the autopsy file before its official release.
Investigation Details
Investigators and staff members at the medical examiner’s department have been ordered to appear for recorded interviews to determine whether they accessed the investigation files without specific authorization, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC4 Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Department of Human Resources initiated the probe after concerns arose that media reports contained specific information about the teenager’s death before the autopsy file was made public.
The Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association, the union representing the office’s investigators, confirmed that some members had received letters regarding the investigation. “We expect the County to conduct any investigation professionally, fairly, and without prejudice,” the union stated on Monday. “We encourage others to allow the process to run its course before making conclusions.”
Background of the Case
Celeste’s body was discovered in September 2025 inside a towed Tesla registered to pop singer David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name D4vd. Burke, 21, was arrested and charged with Rivas Hernandez’s murder in April. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other counts. According to a court filing by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18, and killed her when she threatened to reveal their inappropriate relationship.
Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times and then dismembered her body using chainsaws in his garage. The body was reportedly so badly mutilated upon discovery that investigators feared it would be impossible to formally identify her. An autopsy report later indicated that she died from “multiple penetrating stabbing injuries” caused by a sharp instrument, and she was identified by a distinctive tattoo on her right index finger reading “Shhh…” Burke also has a tattoo with the same letters on his own finger.
Prosecution Claims
During a previous court appearance, prosecutors claimed Burke possessed a “significant amount” of child sexual abuse material on his phone. The medical examiner’s office declined to comment on the pending investigation, citing policy. SEIU 721, which represents other staff members of the medical examiner’s office, noted that while it could not comment on the nature of the inquiry, it “remains firmly committed to safeguarding the privacy of all victims.” The union added, “Patient privacy is an issue we take seriously, especially since so many of our union members are in the healthcare field and working with patients either directly or indirectly.”
