
Celeste Rivas, the 14-year-old girl allegedly murdered by singer D4vd, died from “multiple penetrating injuries” according to the Los Angeles County Corner’s Office.
“After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo.
“It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter. The transparency of the information contained in our findings and reports is essential for empowering the community to make informed changes to affectively reduce fear and allowing the community to take informed action,” Ukpo continued.
Rivas’ dismembered body was discovered September 8, 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to D4vd, real name David Burke.
It took investigators several months to determine the cause and manner of death — reaching a conclusion on December 8,2025.
Burke was charged Monday with first-degree murder with special circumstances.
The special circumstances included lying in wait, murder of a witness to an investigation and murder for financial gain.
He’s was also charged with lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old, and mutilating the human remains of a body.
The special circumstance of murder of a witness to an investigation happened because Rivas was a witness in the lewd-and-lascivious investigation. Officials say the murder for financial gain circumstance was added because they believe D4vd thought allegations of sexual relations with a minor could derail his music career.
During his arraignment, held just a few hours after the charges were announced, Burke remained totally silent — his legal team entered a plea of not guilty on all charges brought against him.
Rivas’ parents broke their silence on the case Tuesday.
Here’s the latest on the D4vd’s murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas
“We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for
their hard work. We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support. Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” her parents Jesus and Mercedes said in a statement.
“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,” the statement, provided by family attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, continued.
Burke was arrested at a Hollywood Hills home where he was staying on April 16.
Exclusive footage, obtained by the California Post, showed the singer in handcuffs and being led away from the home.
The singer’s attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter released a statement following the arrest.
“Let us be clear — 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. There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” they said in a joint statement.
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