Celeste Rivas Hernandez, girl who singer D4vd is charged with killing, died from penetrating wounds
A photo of Celeste Rivas Hernandez is displayed Monday, April 20, 2026, in Los Angeles for a press conference regarding the case of singer D4vd, who was charged on suspicion of killing the 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car.
(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) 2026-04-22T19:30:42Z LOS ANGELES (AP) — Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl singer D4vd is charged with killing, died from penetrating injuries, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday.
Her death was ruled a homicide in the report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office that had been blocked from release for months. A judge had ordered the report sealed in November at the request of law enforcement after the girl’s dismembered and decomposed…
What Happened
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, died from penetrating wounds according to an autopsy report released after months of sealing by court order.
Singer D4vd, legal name David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilating a corpse following discovery of her dismembered body in the trunk of his Tesla in September. Prosecutors contend the killing followed her threat to expose their sexual relationship that began when she was 13.
Burke denies causing her death and pleads not guilty. The autopsy confirmed multiple severe injuries and extensive body degradation.
Why It Matters
This case highlights serious legal and ethical issues involving allegations of abuse of a minor, violent crime, and the intersection of celebrity status with criminal justice. It also raises concerns about the protection and rights of vulnerable youth, forensic transparency, and the handling of sensitive evidence in high-profile investigations.
Implications
The progression of the trial and legal defense strategies will be pivotal to watch, especially how evidence such as the autopsy report and motives are treated. Public and media scrutiny will likely remain intense due to the singer's popularity, and outcomes could influence future handling of sexual abuse allegations and investigations involving public figures.
Key Signals
- 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from penetrating wounds
- Singer D4vd charged with first-degree murder and related crimes
- Body found dismembered and decomposed in Tesla trunk
- Autopsy report was sealed for months before release
- Prosecutors allege motive was fear of exposure of sexual relationship