MURDER UPDATE: Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez ‘Devastated’ as Gruesome Autopsy Details Released
‘Profound Emotional Pain’: Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez ‘Devastated’ as Gruesome Autopsy Details Released
LOS ANGELES — The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has expressed "profound emotional pain" following the release of a long-awaited medical examiner’s report into the death of the 14-year-old girl. The findings, made public on Wednesday after months of legal delays, provide a harrowing account of the final moments and subsequent treatment of the teenager, whose body was discovered in a tow yard last September.
Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, issued a statement through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, describing themselves as "absolutely devastated" by the gruesome details contained within the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report.
The Findings: ‘Multiple Penetrating Injuries’
According to the official report, Celeste died of “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s).” The death has been formally ruled a homicide.
The autopsy, conducted on 10th September 2025, was significantly complicated by the "extensive postmortem changes" to the body. Despite the severe decomposition, examiners identified two major wounds to the torso, one in the upper abdomen that penetrated the liver and another in the left chest that damaged her ribs. Forensic experts suggest these "sharp force injuries" are consistent with a stabbing.
Perhaps most distressing for the family was the confirmation that Celeste’s remains had been dismembered. The report details that her head and torso were found in a zippered body bag, while her limbs had been placed in a separate plastic bag.
A Career-Ending Scandal
The release of the report comes just days after the arrest of 21-year-old alt-pop singer David Burke, known professionally as d4vd. Burke was charged on Monday with first-degree murder with special circumstances, the mutilation of human remains, and lewd acts with a child under 14.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager in April 2025 to protect his burgeoning musical career. It is claimed that Celeste, who had been in a sexual relationship with the singer since she was 13, had threatened to expose his conduct.
“This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “To Celeste's loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
Months of Silence
The findings were originally determined in December 2025 but remained sealed under a court order requested by the LAPD. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo, who had publicly criticised the secrecy, expressed relief that the family finally has answers.
“It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter,” Dr. Ukpo said in a statement.
Timeline of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
| Date | Event |
| April 2025 | Celeste is last seen alive at David Burke’s Hollywood Hills home. |
| 8th Sept 2025 | Remains discovered in a Tesla registered to Burke at an LA tow yard. |
| Nov 2025 | Court orders a "security hold" on autopsy results at LAPD's request. |
| 20th April 2026 | David Burke (d4vd) arrested and charged. |
| 22nd April 2026 | Medical Examiner report officially unsealed and released. |
‘A Beautiful, Strong Girl’
As the legal proceedings begin, Celeste’s family has asked for privacy to process the "horrible and gruesome" details of her death. They remembered their daughter not for the tragedy that befell her, but for her vibrant spirit.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance,” her parents said. “Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We miss her deeply.”
Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday. His legal team maintains his innocence, stating he did not cause the teenager’s death. He remains in custody without bail as the investigation into whether others assisted in the disposal of the body continues.
