Autopsy Reveals Homicide, Penetrating Wounds in Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez; Singer D4vd Charged

The death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a young woman whose body was found dismembered in the trunk of a Tesla in the Hollywood Hills last September, has been officially ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office — a report that had been blocked from public release for months.

According to the newly released autopsy, the examination was limited due to “extensive postmortem changes” to the body, which was decomposing and had been dismembered. Her remains were discovered in two bags inside the parked vehicle.

The report detailed “two penetrating wounds of the torso with smooth edges that may represent sharp force injuries.” One of the wounds, located on the upper abdomen, penetrated the liver. Another wound, on the left side of the chest, damaged her ribs. Additionally, a tube top that she was wearing appeared to have been cut in three places.

A judge had ordered the autopsy report sealed late last year at the request of law enforcement. However, prosecutors agreed this week to allow its release.

Singer D4vd, the 21-year-old alt-pop artist whose legal name is David Burke, was charged Monday in connection with the killing. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a dead body.

Burke’s attorneys have denied that he caused Rivas Hernandez’s death and stated that they plan to vigorously defend his innocence.

By James Kisoo