Medical examiner confirms cause of death after court lifts seal on findings
The autopsy report for Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old whose death has led to criminal charges against singer D4vd (legal name David Burke), has been officially released following a months-long court seal.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple penetrating injuries.
The full report had been withheld under a judicial order requested by law enforcement until prosecutors lifted the restriction this week.
Medical examiner Dr. Odey C. Ukpo said in a statement that the delay in releasing the findings had been difficult for the family, stating. “It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”
According to the report, Rivas Hernandez suffered significant injuries to her torso consistent with a sharp object, including a wound that penetrated the liver.
Due to the condition of her remains, medical examiners could not even determine her eye colour.
Her remains were discovered in September inside bags located in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla registered to Burke.
Authorities have said the condition of the remains complicated the initial determination of cause of death.
Burke has been charged with first-degree murder and related offences and has pleaded not guilty. His legal team denies the allegations and says he will contest the charges in court.
Prosecutors allege the killing was linked to an attempt to prevent disclosure of a prior relationship. The defence maintains he was not responsible for her death.
The case remains ongoing.
