Los Angeles authorities have charged musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, with the murder of 17-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Coroner Reveals Cause of Death
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined the teenager died from multiple penetrating injuries inflicted by a sharp object. A medical report, cited by ABC News, indicates she suffered stab wounds to the abdomen, damaging her liver, and to her chest.
Her body, found in an advanced state of decomposition, was dismembered and hidden in a car trunk.
Evidence Collected at the Scene
Investigators found fragments of blue plastic at the scene and detected psychoactive substances in the girl’s system. Dr. Odey Ukpo, head of forensic medicine, emphasized the importance of publicizing these findings for the victim’s family and the public.
“It’s unimaginable that the family had to wait so long to find out what happened to their daughter,” Ukpo stated, adding that transparency is crucial for social justice and preventing similar tragedies.
Family’s Reaction to the Report
The victim’s family released a statement through their attorney, expressing devastation over the report’s details. They requested privacy during their emotional grief and thanked the community for its support.
Their sole focus, they stated, is to achieve a just verdict.
Defendant Denies Guilt
While the medical evidence doesn’t directly identify the perpetrator, prosecutors maintain they have strong evidence based on forensic analysis and digital data.
Charges Filed Against Burke
Prosecutors have charged Burke with murder, dismemberment of a body, and desecration of human remains. The indictment also includes sexual assault charges involving a person under 14 years old. If convicted, the musician, who has pleaded not guilty, faces the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Possible Motive for the Crime
Investigators determined Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen in April 2025, and her remains were discovered after several months of searching. Prosecutors suggest the motive may have been to protect the singer’s image and career.
The teenager allegedly threatened to reveal their relationship. D4vd gained global popularity through TikTok and was on a world tour, “Withered,” when the remains were discovered in his vehicle.