The autopsy report for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been released days after singer D4vd was charged with her murder. The results, which were previously under seal at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department, provide additional insight into the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death. In September 2025, Hernandez’s remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla that was registered to the singer.
Warning: This article includes descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some readers.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez Died From ‘Penetrating Wounds’
On Wednesday, April 20, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released the autopsy results of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl that D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, is charged with killing. The findings conclude that the teen’s cause of death was “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s).”
The medical examiner noted that one wound caused a penetrating injury to the liver, and a chest injury damaged the “cortical surfaces” (harder outer layer of bones) of the ribs. The tube top Hernandez wore had three cuts. In addition, the report noted a “bilateral dismemberment of upper and lower extremities and multiple additional skin defects,” and two fingers were missing.
Hernandez was last seen alive in late April 2025, and her body wasn’t discovered until September that year. When the remains were found in the Tesla trunk, they were heavily decomposed, with the medical examiner noting that the head was “partially skeletonized” and the left eye was absent. According to the report, “extensive postmortem changes” restricted the scope of the autopsy findings.
The Teen’s Toxicology Report Reveals More Details
Hernandez’s toxicology report showed a “low level of ethanol,” but the medical examiner noted that it could have been the result of “postmortem changes.” The first toxicology screening indicated that the teen had alcohol in her system when she died, and the results showed a “presumptive positive” for MDMA, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines, per PEOPLE.
A second drug screening was conducted and showed inconclusive results for methamphetamines and designer opioids. The final drug screening did not detect benzodiazepines and MDMA in her system.
The autopsy was conducted on September 10, 2025, and Hernandez’s manner and cause of death were determined in December. However, the LAPD requested a security hold on the results due to the ongoing investigation. A judge finally ordered the release of the results when D4vd was arraigned on April 20.
The Discovery Of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Body In D4vd’s Vehicle
Hernandez’s family last had contact with her in 2024, and they filed multiple missing person reports, noting that it wasn’t the first time the teen ran away from home. In September 2025, remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla that had been abandoned and later impounded.
Workers at the impound lot called authorities after noticing a foul smell coming from the vehicle. At that time, the only details law enforcement revealed were that the victim was a female with wavy black hair wearing a tube top and black leggings, noting that she had been deceased “for an extended period of time before being found.”
The victim was later identified as Hernandez, and the Tesla was determined to be registered to D4vd.
D4vd Was Charged With First-Degree Murder
D4vd was arrested on April 16. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14 years old, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The murder charge comes with special circumstances, with the prosecution alleging that D4vd killed Hernandez to prevent her from speaking out about sexual abuse and to avoid jeopardizing his rising music career.
As previously reported by The Blast, the 21-year-old singer appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all counts. His counsel also requested a preliminary hearing within 10 days, saying that the evidence will show their client was not responsible for Hernandez’s death.
The Teen’s Family Demands Justice
Hernandez’s family spoke out for the first time since D4vd’s arrest. On April 21, they shared a statement expressing their appreciation for the LAPD and the District Attorney’s Office for their efforts in the case. “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was a movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” the statement read.
“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 family said.
D4vd is currently being held in custody without bail.