An autopsy report has detailed the injuries sustained by Celeste Rivas Hernandez, revealing multiple penetrating wounds, months after her discovery in a vehicle linked to singer d4vd. The findings shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of the 14-year-old singer, who was found in a Tesla in Los Angeles last September.
Autopsy Findings Detail Injuries
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office reported several severe injuries found on Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains. These findings include:
- Sharp Force Injuries: Two wounds were noted—one on the chest and another on the abdomen—that may represent sharp force trauma.
- Mutilation: Her arms and legs had been dismembered. Additionally, two fingers were removed from her left hand.
- Evidence Collection: Multiple blue plastic fragments were embedded in the cut surfaces and submitted as evidence.
- Tattoo: A tattoo reading “Shhh…” was documented on the inside of her right index finger, similar to a tattoo reportedly belonging to d4vd.
Forensic Pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee, who reviewed the report, stated that the injuries were most consistent with stabbing, suggesting the girl was likely dismembered after her death.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The case involves serious criminal charges against d4vd (David Anthony Burke). Prosecutors allege that d4vd killed Celeste when she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and damage his career.
- Charges Filed: d4vd was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains.
- Prosecution Allegation: LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that prosecutors allege a sexual relationship preceded the death.
- Defense Stance: d4vd pleaded not guilty on Monday. His attorney, Blair Berk, stated that the defense would vigorously argue that d4vd did not murder Celeste and was not responsible for her death.
Timeline and Investigation Context
Celeste had been reported missing multiple times starting in early 2024. The timeline of her last known whereabouts is complex:
- She and d4vd appeared together on a Twitch livestream in January 2024.
- Photographs placed d4vd near the seventh grader’s home between January and March 2024.
- She was photographed backstage at one of his Los Angeles shows in June 2024.
- She was last seen alive going to d4vd’s home in April 2025.
The initial discovery occurred when an employee at a police impound lot noticed a foul odor emanating from the front trunk of d4vd’s Tesla, which had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
Statements from Authorities and Families
- Medical Examiner: Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Dr. Odey Ukpo expressed gratitude that the information could finally be released to the public and the family.
- Family Statement: An attorney for Celeste’s family stated that the autopsy results caused “profound emotional pain” and requested privacy for the family as they process the findings.
