Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, Died from Multiple Injuries; David Anthony Burke Charged
Los Angeles County medical examiners announced on Wednesday that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, died from "multiple penetrating injuries" caused by an undisclosed object or objects, ruling her death a homicide. Her body was found in the front boot of a Tesla registered to musician David Anthony Burke, 21, in September 2025.
Singer David Anthony Burke Faces Murder Charge
Burke, known as D4vd, faces several charges in connection with her death, including murder. He has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team stating they will "vigorously defend his innocence," asserting that "the actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste" and was not the cause of her death.
Burke is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles court on Thursday at 08:30 local time (16:30 BST).
Investigators determined the cause and manner of Rivas Hernandez’s death on 9 December 2025, but the information was withheld publicly during the police investigation. Prosecutors allege the teenager was killed and her body dismembered around 5 May 2025, at least four months before its discovery.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo expressed gratitude that the information could finally be released, highlighting the unfathomable wait endured by the grieving family. Dr Ukpo had previously criticised the decision to delay the release of findings.
Autopsy results indicated stab wounds on Rivas Hernandez's abdomen and chest. Forensic teams also found shredded blue plastic within some of her wounds. Her body was located in a black zippered bag inside the vehicle’s front boot. A toxicology report revealed methamphetamine or MDMA and a low level of alcohol in her system, though these were not deemed a factor in her death.
Family Seeks Justice for Celeste
Celeste Rivas Hernandez's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, released their first public statement this week, thanking police, prosecutors, and their Lake Elsinore community. "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together," they stated. "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."
Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld noted the family was "devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke's arraignment."
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated at a news conference that Rivas Hernandez went to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home on 23 April 2025 and "was never heard from again." Her parents reported her missing in April, but her body was not found until September. Burke was arrested last week, more than seven months after the discovery of her body. He has been held without bail.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell defended the investigation's duration, stating that the priority was to "deliver justice," which required patience and discipline to ensure the case was not jeopardised. He added that the condition of the body, due to the substantial time elapsed between death and discovery, complicated determining the cause of death and led to evidence degradation.
Hochman also acknowledged investigative challenges, including interviewing multiple individuals, some cooperative and some not, alongside extensive evidence review, underscoring the need for maximum information. He urged anyone with additional details to come forward.