Officials release cause of death for teen found in singer D4vd’s trunk

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl discovered in the front boot of a Tesla owned by TikTok star D4vd, has been confirmed to have died from “multiple penetrating injuries,” according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. The determination was made on 9 December, following an investigation that began in September when her body was found. The office declared her death a homicide, though the specific weapon or objects responsible for the injuries remain unspecified.

D4vd faces murder charges

The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder in connection to the incident. Despite the charges, Burke has pleaded not guilty. His legal team, including Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has stated their intention to “vigorously defend his innocence,” asserting that “the actual evidence will show David did not kill Celeste.”

“We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” said his attorneys in a statement to the BBC.

Initially, investigators examined the teen’s body shortly after her discovery in September but delayed releasing the cause of death until December. This pause was due to ongoing police inquiries. Dr. Odey Ukpo, the chief medical examiner, criticized the delay, stating, “It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”

Family expresses grief and hope for justice

Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, shared their anguish in a recent statement. “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance,” they said. “Every Friday night was movie night, and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”

“We are devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke’s arraignment,” said family attorney Patrick Steinfeld.

The teen had vanished from her parents’ sight on 23 April 2025, when she visited Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the situation as “a parent’s nightmare,” noting that the girl “was never heard from again.” Her disappearance was reported in April, but it wasn’t until September that her body was found in the car. Over seven months later, police arrested Burke last week, citing the case as a key priority.

Since the discovery, D4vd has withdrawn from public life, with his world tour canceled and brand partnerships reportedly dissolved. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell explained that the agency’s approach prioritized “patience and discipline” to ensure the case remained airtight. “My duty is not to fuel speculation. It’s to deliver justice,” he emphasized, adding that the time gap between her death and the discovery affected evidence preservation.

“This investigation was driven by a single purpose to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her,” said McDonnell.

Hochman also highlighted challenges in the case, such as coordinating interviews with multiple witnesses and analyzing all available evidence. “It’s the type of case where you go to get maximum information,” he told the BBC, urging anyone with additional details to come forward.