Full Breakdown
Investigation into the Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/23/2026, 12:06:53 PM
Discovery and Cause of Death
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, was found deceased in the trunk of a Tesla owned by musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, on September 8, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office ruled her death a homicide, attributing it to "multiple penetrating injuries caused by objects." The autopsy revealed two penetrating wounds to her torso, including an injury to her liver, and indicated signs of dismemberment. The medical examiner noted that the condition of her body had severely degraded due to the time elapsed between her death and the discovery of her remains.
Timeline of Events
Rivas Hernandez was reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024. She was last seen on April 23, 2025, when she visited Burke's home in the Hollywood Hills. Following her disappearance, her family reported her missing multiple times. It was not until September 2025 that her remains were discovered in Burke's abandoned vehicle, which had been parked for over a month. The investigation into her death took several months, leading to Burke's arrest in April 2026.
Charges Against D4vd
Burke faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege that he killed Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from exposing their sexual relationship, which he feared would jeopardize his music career. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the evidence would show Burke committed the murder for financial gain, as Rivas Hernandez was considered a key witness in the investigation into his alleged sexual conduct with her.
Official Statements and Family Response
In a statement, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo expressed gratitude for the release of the autopsy findings, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the grieving family and the community. Rivas Hernandez's family described her as a "beautiful, strong girl" who loved to sing and dance, and they expressed their desire for justice. They thanked law enforcement for their efforts during the investigation.
Criticism and Investigation Challenges
The Los Angeles Police Department faced scrutiny regarding the lengthy investigation, which resulted in delays in making an arrest. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell defended the department's approach, stating that the investigation prioritized securing justice for Rivas Hernandez while navigating challenges such as interviewing witnesses and managing public speculation.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the medical examiner's report confirmed the cause of death, there are discrepancies regarding the timeline of events leading to Rivas Hernandez's death. Some sources indicate that she may have been dead for several weeks before her body was discovered, while others suggest that the investigation faced obstacles that delayed the arrest of Burke.
What's Next
Burke remains in custody without bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A preliminary hearing is expected to take place soon, where prosecutors may also decide whether to seek the death penalty, depending on the outcome of the proceedings. The case continues to draw public attention as it unfolds in the legal system.
