New details have emerged in the case against singer D4vd ahead of a court hearing in Los Angeles, following the release of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s autopsy report.
The hearing scheduled for Thursday is not expected to be a preliminary hearing, despite appearing on the court calendar as one. Attorneys have said it will instead proceed as a status conference, known as a “3 of 10,” where prosecutors and defense lawyers will address next steps and the exchange of evidence. Prosecutors have said they still have more than 40 terabytes of discovery to turn over, which could slow the case’s progress.
The autopsy report lists Celeste’s cause of death as “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s),” and rules the manner of death a homicide. According to the report, one stab wound was found on her right abdomen with injury to the liver, while another was found on the left chest.
The report also states that Celeste’s body weighed 71 pounds when it was found dismembered in the front trunk of a Tesla. Investigators said the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition and that the left ring and pinky fingers appeared to have been mutilated. The report further notes that multiple fragments of blue plastic material were embedded in the cut surfaces. Toxicology findings showed presumptive positives for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine/MDMA.
Celeste’s family released a statement through their attorney, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by the medical examiner’s findings and asking for privacy, understanding, and patience as they process the information. The statement also said her parents, Jesus and Mercedes, would not attend Thursday’s hearing.
The autopsy report does not include evidence directly connecting D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, to Celeste’s death. However, prosecutors have said they have a strong case based on forensic and digital evidence. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, mutilation of remains, and continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. He remains in custody without bail.
According to investigators, Celeste, who was reported to be a runaway from Lake Elsinore, was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at D4vd’s rented home in the Hollywood Hills. Prosecutors believe her body was mutilated on May 5, and her remains were not found until September.
Authorities have said the medical examiner’s report will be one piece of evidence considered if the case goes before a jury. If convicted, D4vd faces a maximum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, though Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said a decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made later.