D4VD's alleged victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, died from multiple stab wounds
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the teenager D4vd has been accused of killing, died from multiple stab wounds.
The teenager D4vd has been accused of killing died from multiple stab wounds.
The 21-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances – including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation - in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and an autopsy report into her death has now been unsealed.
According to the report, Celeste died as a result of "multiple penetrating injuries" in a homicide.
D4vd - whose real name is David Burke - has also been charged with lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a person under 14 years old and the mutilation of a human body, and is currently being held without bail.
After he was charged, the family of Celeste issued a statement thanking investigators.
Her parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, said: “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. 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.”
Celeste's mutilated and decomposing body was found seven months ago in the front trunk of the rapper's car, and the autopsy report was completed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner in December, but it was kept sealed pending the police investigation.
The autopsy found two wounds to the torso, one in the upper abdomen which penetrated the liver, and one in the left chest.
D4vd’s lawyers – Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter – requested a preliminary hearing within 10 days on Monday (20.04.26) in a move that could compel prosecutors to present their evidence and witnesses at an early stage.
The strategy appears to hinge on the timing of the arrest, with the defence suggesting the case may still be developing.
Prosecutors allege Celeste was under 14 when D4vd engaged in repeated sexual relations with her, and that he later killed her with a “sharp instrument” after she threatened to expose the relationship and damage his music career.
They further claim her body was dismembered, placed into two bags, and stored in the front trunk of his car.
According to the district attorney’s office, Celeste’s remains stayed in the vehicle for more than four months – from late April to early September 2025– before being discovered at a tow yard.
Her family attended the court hearing on Monday.
D4vd, wearing a black hoodie, stood before the court as the charges were read.
He was taken into custody at around 5pm last Thursday without resistance during a heavily armed police operation, and later booked into custody at 10.12pm at the LAPD’s 77th Street Station jail.
The arrest followed months in which D4vd had withdrawn from public life and cancelled his tour after the discovery of Celeste’s body.
If convicted, he could face either life without parole or the death penalty.
