The Cause of Death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez Is Now Public

Two days after singer D4vd was charged with her murder, the cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has now been made public.

Cause of Death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Per a press release obtained by PEOPLE, the autopsy performed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Rivas died from "multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)," ruling her death a homicide. The 14-year-old also suffered "two penetrating wounds in the torso."

According to the report, Rivas tested "presumptive positive" for the following drugs: benzodiazepines, methamphetamines, and MDMA. She also had alcohol in her system. However, methamphetamine and "designer opioids" were deemed "inconclusive due to interfering substance(s)."

Rivas was found on Sept. 8, 2025, the day after her 15th birthday. She was in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd, which was parked at a Hollywood tow yard. Prior to this, police received reports of a foul smell emanating from said yard.

Initially, Rivas was reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024, although she made contact with her family the following month. She was last seen at D4vd's Hollywood Hills home. The 21-year-old singer allegedly killed Rivas on April 23, 2025, before leaving her in the vehicle for four months.

D4vd's Motive and Murder Charges

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that D4vd's (born David Anthony Burke) motive for killing Rivas was to prevent her from exposing his abuse. Hochman added that Rivas threatened to "expose Burke and damage his music career" on the night she was murdered.

Burke has been charged with one count each of murder, among other offenses, after his arrest on April 16. On April 20, Burke pleaded not guilty, but he's still being held in jail without bail. He will appear in court on April 23 for a preliminary hearing.