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Warning: This article contains distressing details about a death.
Medical examiner rules teen's death a homicide
Los Angeles County officials revealed Wednesday that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries, classifying her death as a homicide. The medical examiner's report, finalized on 9 December but withheld until now, identified stab wounds to her abdomen and chest as the cause of death.
Discovery and charges
Rivas Hernandez was found dead in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to TikTok musician D4vd-legally named David Anthony Burke-in September 2025. Burke, 21, faces multiple charges, including murder, and has pleaded not guilty. His legal team stated they would "vigorously defend his innocence," asserting that evidence would show he did not cause the teen's death.
Burke is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles court Thursday at 08:30 local time (16:30 BST). He has been held without bail since his arrest last week.
New details from the autopsy
The medical examiner's report, obtained by the BBC, noted the presence of shredded blue plastic in some of the teen's wounds. Her body was found inside a black zippered bag. Toxicology results detected methamphetamine, MDMA, and a low level of alcohol in her system, though officials confirmed these substances did not contribute to her death.
Timeline and investigation challenges
Prosecutors allege Rivas Hernandez was killed and dismembered around 5 May 2025, four months before her remains were discovered. She was last seen alive on 23 April 2025, after visiting Burke's home in the Hollywood Hills. Her parents reported her missing in April, but her body was not found until September.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged delays in the investigation, citing the degraded condition of the teen's body due to the time elapsed between her death and discovery. He emphasized the need for thorough evidence collection to ensure justice for the victim and her family.
"My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline."
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell
Family's response
Rivas Hernandez's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, issued their first public statement this week, describing their daughter as "a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance." They expressed gratitude for community support and called for justice in her memory.
"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."
Statement from Celeste Rivas Hernandez's parents
The family's attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said they were "devastated" by the details revealed during Burke's arraignment.
Impact on Burke's career
Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body in his car, Burke largely withdrew from public life. His world tour was canceled, and several brand partnerships were terminated. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
Call for additional information
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman urged anyone with information about the case to come forward, noting the complexity of gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Some individuals cooperated with investigators, while others did not, contributing to delays in filing charges.
