An autopsy report has revealed new details in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, stating she was killed by penetrating wounds to the torso and sharp force injuries. The Los Angeles medical examiner ruled the teen’s death a homicide, according to records obtained by TMZ.
“The wound on the upper abdomen penetrates the liver and the wound on the left chest penetrates one of the left intercostal spaces, with disruption of the adjacent ribs’ cortical surfaces,” the report added.
The findings bring another grim update to a case that has stayed in headlines since investigators said Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposed body was found inside the front trunk of a Tesla linked to the investigation months ago.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested on April 16 in connection with the teen’s death. Prosecutors have charged the 21-year-old with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a body, according to the Associated Press.
On Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleged the singer “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.”
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains behind bars without bail. He was transferred Monday to Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail, where reports say he has been placed in segregation.
Public attention around the case has only intensified because of the serious allegations, the victim’s age, and Burke’s profile as a rising artist. Authorities have not announced a trial date, and no additional details about a motive have been made public.
Complex reported it contacted the medical examiner for comment. More developments are expected as the criminal proceedings continue through court.
