The medical examiner’s office has confirmed the cause of death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez: homicide. D4vd is charged and pleads not guilty.
D4vd is now officially accused of the murder of then 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. After seven months of investigations, one headline followed the next in the last days of April – the news surrounding the case was literally overflowing. Now there is another update.
Celeste Rivas’ cause of death confirmed
The coroner’s office recently spoke out about the investigation into the body’s discovery. The cause of death is considered to be clear: a Los Angeles County coroner stated that the deceased died of “multiple penetrating injuries caused by objects” – this is reported by “Entertainment Weekly”. In addition, the death was classified as a clear homicide.
D4vd was arrested by police on April 16, 2026 – eight months after the teenager was found – and is considered the main suspect in the murder.
D4vd has now been charged
A grand jury had been investigating the singer for months. The 21-year-old has also been charged since April 20, 2026. In addition to first-degree murder, the three charges include financial gain and sexual offenses against minors. When the charges were opened, the musician remained silent and left the talking to his lawyers.
David Burke, the artist’s real name, has pleaded not guilty. His legal representation issued a statement: “The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
Physical, forensic and digital evidence will be presented to the court, according to District Attorney Nathan Hochman. If convicted, the defendant faces at least a life sentence or even the death penalty.
Reported missing as a 13-year-old
In December 2025, Celeste Rivas’ dismembered body was found in a Tesla on the premises of a towing company. The car was registered to the “Romantic Homicide” artist. In April 2024, her parents reported the then 13-year-old girl missing.
