Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s cause of death has been revealed.
According to autopsy reports obtained by TMZ, the medical examiner in Los Angeles says the 14-year-old’s manner of death was homicide 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.
The medical examiner also observed that Hernandez was partially clothed and had been dismembered, with her arms and legs removed above the elbows and knees and placed in a separate bag beneath her. The body showed advanced decomposition, including discoloration, insect activity, and partial skeletonization. Notable findings included damage to certain fingers, a small abdominal defect, and a “Shhh…” tattoo on her right index finger.
Complex has reached out to the medical examiner for comment. This story may be updated.
D4vd (born David Anthony Burke) was arrested last Thursday (April 16) in connection with Rivas’ death seven months after the minor’s dismembered and decomposed body was found in the front trunk of the artist’s Tesla.
The 21-year-old singer’s charges include first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a body, per the Associated Press.
On Monday, a statement from 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 pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bail. He was transferred to the Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail on Monday and has reportedly been placed in segregation.
Rivas’ decomposed and dismembered remains were found last September in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd that had been impounded after the vehicle was reported as abandoned.
Rivas was reportedly last seen on April 23, 2025, when she went to D4vd Hollywood Hills rental home.
At the time that Rivas’ remains were discovered, D4vd was touring in support of his Withered album. He went on to perform on Sept. 9 at The Fillmore in Minneapolis after the story broke about the discovery.
His remaining tour dates were canceled, and a previously-announced deluxe edition for Withered did not materialize.
If convicted, D4vd faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.
Rivas’ family broke their silence with a statement shared on Tuesday (April 21) that thanked the Los Angeles Police Department and District Attorney’s office for their hard work.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” read part of the statement. "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.”
