Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found dead in a case that has gripped Los Angeles for months, and officials have now confirmed she died from brutal “multiple penetrating injuries,” escalating a case already charged with serious allegations, legal battles, and mounting public scrutiny.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office announced Wednesday that her death has been ruled a homicide. Investigators determined the teenager died from injuries caused by an undisclosed object or objects, deepening the mystery around what exactly happened in the months before her body was discovered.

Case Now Officially Classified as Homicide
The update marks a major turning point in the investigation surrounding the teen who was found dead in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to TikTok star and singer D4vd, 21, in September. The artist is now facing multiple charges in connection with her death, including murder.

D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty. His legal team insists he is innocent and says the case will not withstand scrutiny in court.

“We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” his attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a statement to the BBC.

Burke’s defense team maintains that “the actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste” and argues he was not responsible for her death. He is scheduled to return to a Los Angeles court on Thursday at 0830 local time.

Disturbing Autopsy Findings Emerge
According to the medical examiner’s report obtained by the BBC, stab wounds were discovered on Celeste’s abdomen and chest during the autopsy. Forensic investigators also found shredded blue plastic embedded in some of her wounds, adding another layer of disturbing detail to the case.

Her body was located in a black zippered bag inside the front trunk of the Tesla. Toxicology testing detected methamphetamine or MDMA and a low level of alcohol, though officials concluded neither substance appeared to contribute to her death.

The medical examiner’s office had reached its conclusions earlier but was barred from publicly releasing the findings while law enforcement continued its investigation.

“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,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo said in a statement.

Ukpo also expressed frustration over the delay, saying “It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”

Timeline of Disappearance and Investigation
Prosecutors allege Celeste was killed and her body dismembered around 5 May 2025, according to charging documents, months before she was ultimately discovered in September.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the teen was last seen after visiting Burke’s Hollywood Hills home on 23 April 2025.

“A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back,” Hochman said.

Celeste was reported missing by her family in April, but her remains were not found until September. It would take more than seven additional months before authorities arrested Burke last week.

Family Speaks Out After Months of Silence
This week, Celeste’s family spoke publicly for the first time following Burke’s arraignment, expressing both grief and gratitude for community support in Lake Elsinore.

“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 Rivas and Mercedes Martinez 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.”

Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld said the relatives were devastated after learning new details revealed during court proceedings.

“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,” the family reiterated in their statement through counsel.

Steinfeld added that the family was “devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out in David Burke's arraignment”.

Investigation Challenges and Law Enforcement Response
Police officials say the complexity of the case, combined with the condition of the remains, significantly delayed conclusions. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell defended the timeline, emphasizing caution over speed.

“I want to be clear about something. My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part,” McDonnell said.

He added, “This investigation was driven by a single purpose to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her. We had to be certain that nothing we did or said would ever jeopardise this case.”

Officials also noted that the condition of the body complicated forensic analysis due to the time elapsed between death and discovery.

District Attorney Hochman said investigators faced challenges including multiple interviews and varying levels of cooperation from witnesses.

“It's the type of case that you went to get maximum information,” he said, urging anyone with additional details to come forward.

Singer’s Career in Collapse Amid Legal Battle
Since Celeste’s body was found, Burke has largely withdrawn from public life. His world tour was canceled, and brand partnerships reportedly ended as the investigation intensified.

He remains in custody without bail as the case moves forward, with prosecutors continuing to build what they describe as a complex and deeply disturbing homicide investigation.