Officials reveal cause of death of girl, 14, found 'dismembered' in US singer D4vd's car

James Saunders
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:40:42 +0000

The Los Angeles County medical examiner has officially revealed the cause of death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old found in singer D4vd's car.

Celeste's body was discovered inside a black zippered bag in the front boot of a Tesla belonging to TikTok star D4vd last September.

She died from "multiple penetrating injuries," officials announced on Wednesday.

An autopsy revealed stab wounds to her chest and abdomen.

Forensic investigators found shredded blue plastic embedded in some of her wounds.

Toxicology tests detected methamphetamine or MDMA and low levels of alcohol - though neither contributed to her death.

"After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss," Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo said.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces multiple charges including murder in connection with the teenager's death.

The 21-year-old singer has entered a not guilty plea.

"We will vigorously defend David's innocence," his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement to the BBC.

His legal team maintains that the "actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste" and that he bears no responsibility for her death.

Burke is scheduled to appear at a Los Angeles court on Thursday at 8.30am local time.

The musician has been held without bail since his arrest last week.

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Prosecutors allege the teenager was killed and dismembered on or around May 5 last year.

Her parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, issued their first public statement this week following Burke's arraignment.

"Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together," they said.

"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."

The family thanked police, prosecutors and their Lake Elsinore community for months of support.

Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld told the BBC that relatives were "devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke's arraignment".

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the teenager visited Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 23 April 2025 and "she was never heard from again".

"A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back," Mr Hochman said.

Her parents reported her missing in April, but her body was not found until September.

Police arrested the singer, behind hits like Romantic Homicide, more than seven months after that discovery.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell defended the lengthy investigation on Monday.

"I want to be clear about something. My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part," he said.

The chief explained that the condition of the teenager's remains complicated efforts to establish cause of death.

Hochman cited difficulties interviewing witnesses, some of whom were uncooperative, as another factor delaying charges.