**Content Warning**: This story contains graphic descriptions of an alleged murder.
The cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been determined. Nearly a week after D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) was arrested for allegedly murdering the 14-year-old, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner shared her cause of death as "multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)" and her manner of death as homicide, according to a press release on April 22.
Celeste's body was dismembered when authorities discovered it in September inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. The medical examiner found that the teenager had two penetrating wounds on her left chest and upper abdomen, including an injury to her liver, according to the examiner's report obtained by E! News.
The report also revealed that there were presumptive positives for benzodiazepines (a medication used to treat anxiety and seizures) and methamphetamine/MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly) in her system.
Earlier this week, D4vd—who was arrested for Celeste's murder on April 16—was charged with one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. This followed his alleged invitation of the teen to his home in the Hollywood Hills on April 23, 2025, the last time she was known to be alive.
The criminal complaint against the singer also includes a "special allegation" that he "personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime," per an April 20 press release from L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
"Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her," Hochman said in the release. "But Burke's actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body, and stuffed it in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car."
D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will remain in custody without bail. "The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter told E! News in an April 20 statement. "We will vigorously defend David's innocence."
Since the musician was charged, Celeste's family has emphasized their appreciation for the support they have received throughout the investigation. "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance," they shared in an April 21 statement to ABC News. "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," the family continued. "We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."
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