D4vd Case: Cause of Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez Finally Uncovered.
Content warning: There are horrific details of an alleged murder in this article.
The cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified. An April 22 news statement from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner stated that the 14-year-old's cause of death was "multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)" and her manner of death was homicide, over a week after D4vd was detained for allegedly killing her.
As per to the examiner's report obtained by media sources, Celeste had two penetrating wounds on her left chest and upper abdomen, plus a wound to her liver, even though her body split apart when the authorities found it in September inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke).
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The analysis also reveals that she had presumptive positive results for methamphetamine/MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly) and benzodiazepines (a prescription used to treat anxiety and seizures).
D4vd, who was detained on April 16 for Celeste's murder, was charged earlier this week with one count each of murder, intentional mutilation of human remains, and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 after reportedly inviting the teenager to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, the day she was last known to be healthy.
According to a news release from L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on April 20, the charges filed against the singer also included a "special allegation" that he "personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime."
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” Hochman stated in the press release. . “But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car.”
D4vd will stay in detention without posting bail after entering a not guilty plea to all counts.
"The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," in a statement released on April 20, his lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter notified news organizations. "We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
Celeste's family has expressed gratitude for the assistance they have received during the investigation since the artist was charged.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance,” they told ABC News in a statement issued on April 21. “Every Friday night was movie night, and we spent wonderful times together.”
“We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us,” the family went on. “We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."
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