The coroner's report and autopsy results of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have been published, showing the 14-year-old, whose dismembered body was found in a car belonging to the rapper D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) in September, died of "multiple penetrating injuries".
It concludes that she had been penetrated by an object or objects before her death. Stab wounds were also identified on her abdomen and chest via the autopsy.
Rivas Hernandez had been missing for several months before her body was located in the Tesla registered to Burke.
Traces of MDMA were also found in her system, but are not believed to have contributed to Rivas Hernandez's death.
What has D4vd been charged with?
Prosecutors are now alleging that Burke, who is 21, began a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13, and are set to argue that he killed her to stop her from speaking out, fearing it could impact negatively on his growing music career.
Burke has strongly denied any wrongdoing, pleaded not guilty to all related charges (including murder) and his legal team says he plans to "vigorously defend his innocence" in court and that "actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste".
Everyone's clicking on...
Rivas Hernandez's cause of death was first known to the authorities back in December 2025, but was not shared publicly while the police carried out their investigation.
What happened to Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
It's believed she died on or around the 5 May 2025, having been reported missing that same April, but her body was not discovered for several months. Rivas Hernandez's remains were later found inside a zipped bag, inside a Tesla registered to Burke.
Chief Medical Examiner, Dr Odey Ukpo, said in a statement that he was glad the teen's family were now able to know the truth as to her cause of death, having also been kept in the dark while the investigation continued. "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,"
"It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."
The family's lawyer said learning the new details had caused "profound emotional pain".
Rivas Hernandez's family issued a heartbreaking statement, describing her as "a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together."
They added their focus was now on getting justice, "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."
Since his arrest, Burke has been held without bail, has reportedly lost brand deals and has had to cancel a tour.
An LAPD officer involved in the case addressed the length of time it had taken to arrest Burke and share autopsy findings at a press conference, as reported by the BBC, "I want to be clear about something. My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part.
"This investigation was driven by a single purpose: to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her. We had to be certain that nothing we did or said would ever jeopardise this case."
When is D4vd's trial?
Burke will stand trial after being charged with first-degree murder, continued lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14-years-old and mutilating the remains of a human body.
A court date has yet to be confirmed. If found guilty, Burke could face a life sentence with no possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
