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Court blocks release of autopsy records in Celeste Rivas Hernandez case
A Los Angeles court has barred public access to autopsy records tied to the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in a car registered to singer D4vd, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office disclosed it had received a judicial order imposing a security hold on the case, prohibiting the release of any details-including online publication-about the circumstances of Rivas Hernandez's death.
Police cite investigative concerns
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) requested the order, arguing it would ensure officers receive information from the Medical Examiner before the public, according to a statement. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo called such holds "virtually unheard of in other counties" and noted their effectiveness in aiding legal outcomes "has not been proven."
We are dedicated to serving our community with full transparency; however, the law precludes us from doing so while the court order remains in this case.
Dr. Odey Ukpo, Chief Medical Examiner
Discovery of remains
Police found Rivas Hernandez's body in the trunk of an impounded Tesla on 8 September 2025, after responding to reports of a foul odor at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle, registered to D4vd (legal name: David Anthony Burke), had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days prior to towing.
Rivas Hernandez, a resident of Lake Elsinore-roughly 75 miles from the discovery site-had been missing since April 2024, per a flyer cited by CBS. Investigators previously described her remains as "severely decomposed", suggesting she had been dead for several weeks before being found.
Clothing and identifying marks
The medical examiner noted she was wearing a tube top, small black leggings, and jewelry-including a yellow metal stud earring and chain bracelet. A distinctive tattoo reading "Shhh..." on her index finger closely resembled one on D4vd's own finger.
Family and community impact
Neighbors described Rivas Hernandez, the first-generation daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, as a familiar face at a local corner store, where she frequently bought candy and soda, the Los Angeles Times reported. Her family, who called her a "beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend," held a funeral in October after raising funds via crowdfunding.
Fallout for D4vd's career
The case has upended the 20-year-old singer's rising trajectory. His world tour was canceled within days of the discovery, and Sony Music Publishing reportedly suspended promotion of his second album. Retailers Hollister and Crocs severed marketing ties, while singer Kali Uchis removed their collaboration, Crashing, from platforms.
LAPD's robbery-homicide division continues to investigate. No arrests have been made, and D4vd-who was on tour when the remains were found-has not publicly addressed the case beyond earlier statements of cooperation.
Police raid
Authorities later searched a Hollywood Hills mansion linked to D4vd, located blocks from where his Tesla was towed.
