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(KTLA) – After several months of investigation, the official cause of death for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been disclosed. Her body was discovered last year in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer D4vd, who now faces charges related to her death.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has concluded that Rivas Hernandez died due to “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s),” categorizing her death as a homicide.
Authorities reported that the teenager’s body was found on the morning of September 8, 2025, inside a vehicle registered to D4vd, parked at a Los Angeles tow yard.
An autopsy was performed two days after the discovery. Although the cause and manner of death were determined by December 2025, a court order had initially delayed the public release of this information.
Dr. Odey Ukpo, Chief Medical Examiner, expressed relief that the findings could finally be shared, stating, “After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public but also to the grieving family. It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter. Transparency in our findings and reports is crucial for empowering the community to make informed changes, effectively reducing fear and allowing the community to take informed action.”
The release of the findings comes as a high-profile criminal case tied to the teen’s death moves forward.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Prosecutors allege the 21-year-old invited Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home in April 2025, where she was last seen alive.
Her remains were later discovered in a Tesla registered to Burke after tow yard workers reported a foul odor. Burke has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.