An autopsy report released Wednesday shows that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from two stab wounds to her torso, one penetrating her liver and one reaching her left chest cavity. The report, completed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in December but held under court seal for months, describes the cause of death as "multiple penetrating injuries" and classifies the manner as homicide.
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was charged Monday with murder and sexual abuse of a child in connection with the girl's death. His attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf that same afternoon. Burke is being held without bail and faces either life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Rivas' body was found dismembered and severely decomposed inside multiple bags in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Her arms and legs had been cut off, according to the report. The decomposition was so advanced that investigators could not determine her eye color, age, or ethnicity from her physical appearance alone. A tattoo on her right index finger reading "Shhh..." helped identify her. A photo of Burke with a similar tattoo surfaced after her identification.
The autopsy report runs 26 pages. A narrative section describes the wounds as having "smooth edges," consistent with sharp force injuries. Postmortem toxicology found a low level of ethanol in liver tissue, but the report notes it "does not appear to be contributory to the cause of death" and may have resulted from postmortem changes rather than ingestion.
Rivas was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she went to Burke's home in the Hollywood Hills, according to District Attorney Nathan Hochman. The LAPD kept details of the investigation tightly sealed in the months that followed, obtaining a court order that barred the medical examiner's office from releasing its findings. The ME's office publicly opposed the hold.
"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," said chief medical examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo in a statement. "It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."
Rivas' parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, issued a statement through an attorney the day before the autopsy report became public. "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance," they said. "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. We miss her deeply. All we want is Justice for Celeste."
The case is now moving toward trial. Burke remains held without bail.
