Celeste Rivas Hernandez Cause of Death: Multiple Injuries

Celeste Rivas Hernandez's cause of death was revealed as multiple penetrating injuries. This is nearly 7 months after her remains were found in a car linked to singer D4vd.
By Newsroom | Crime, Los Angeles |

The official determination of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's cause of death has been released, identifying "multiple penetrating injuries" as the fatal factor. This announcement surfaces nearly seven months after her severely decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of a vehicle registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.

Burke, 21, recently made his first court appearance, entering a plea of not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Rivas on or around April 23, 2025, and dismembered her body on May 5, 2025, leaving her remains in the vehicle.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that Rivas Hernandez died from these injuries, noting two penetrating wounds on her torso, one of which was an injury to her liver. The body's condition made initial determination of her age and ethnicity challenging. Investigators believe her death occurred in the spring of last year.

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Celeste Rivas Hernandez's cause of death released after D4vd arrest - 1

Details surrounding the alleged crime emerged following a security hold placed on the case by the Los Angeles Police Department, which has now been lifted. Prosecutors claim Rivas Hernandez was a witness in a lewd-and-lascivious investigation involving Burke, and that the murder may have been motivated by her alleged threat to expose their relationship and damage his music career. Special circumstances listed in the charges include lying in wait, murder of a witness to an investigation, and murder for financial gain.

Authorities allege Burke engaged in a long-term sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez while she was underage and he was an adult. He is accused of killing her with a sharp instrument to protect his entertainment career, subsequently dismembering her. Physical, forensic, and digital evidence reportedly supports these claims.

A Delayed Revelation

The release of the autopsy findings, previously under seal, follows Burke's arrest last week and formal charging on Monday, April 20. Burke has been ordered held without bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, April 23.

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Celeste Rivas Hernandez's cause of death released after D4vd arrest - 2

The timeline indicates Rivas Hernandez was last seen over a year before Burke's arrest. The delay in releasing details, according to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, was partly necessary due to speculation circulating on social media that could have potentially hampered the investigation. The chief medical examiner reportedly apologized for the delay in releasing the report.

While the medical examiner's report noted the presence of a low level of ethanol in Rivas Hernandez's system, likely from postmortem changes or ingestion, it was not deemed contributory to her cause of death.

The investigation began after Rivas Hernandez's remains were found in a towed Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The car was registered to D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. Burke's friend, Neo, was reportedly arrested after failing to appear as a grand jury witness in the case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Celeste Rivas Hernandez's cause of death?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed this on April 22, 2026. There were two wounds to her torso, one hitting her liver.
Q: Who is D4vd and what is his connection to the case?
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is a singer. His car was found with Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder.
Q: When did Celeste Rivas Hernandez die?
Investigators believe Celeste Rivas Hernandez died in the spring of 2025. Her remains were found in May 2025, but the official cause of death was confirmed on April 22, 2026.
Q: What are the charges against David Anthony Burke?
David Anthony Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he killed Rivas Hernandez to stop her from exposing their relationship and harming his career.
Q: Why was the cause of death revealed so late?
The release of the autopsy findings was delayed partly because the investigation was ongoing and details were sealed. Social media speculation also played a role in the delay, according to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.