Teen found in D4vd's car died of multiple stab wounds, medical examiner rules
The death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been classified as a homicide by the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office, attributing it to "multiple penetrating injuries" inflicted by an unknown object. Celeste was discovered in a Tesla belonging to TikTok influencer D4vd (David Anthony Burke, 21) in September 2025, with stab wounds and remnants of blue plastic embedded in her body. A toxicology analysis revealed the presence of methamphetamine or MDMA and minimal alcohol, though these substances did not cause her death. Prosecutors claim she was murdered around May 5, 2025. Burke, who has pleaded not guilty, faces murder charges and is scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. The delay in the medical examiner's report has drawn criticism.
Key facts
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, died of multiple penetrating injuries, ruled a homicide.
- Her body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd in September 2025.
- Stab wounds were found on her abdomen and chest; shredded blue plastic was in some wounds.
- Prosecutors allege she was killed and dismembered on or around May 5, 2025.
- D4vd (David Anthony Burke) is charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty.
- Medical examiner determined cause of death on December 9 but delayed release until now.
- Toxicology found methamphetamine/MDMA and low alcohol, but not contributing to death.
- Burke is due in court on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. local time.
Entities
Artists
- D4vd
- David Anthony Burke
Institutions
- Los Angeles County medical examiner's office
- BBC
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Los Angeles District Attorney
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Hollywood Hills
- Lake Elsinore