An autopsy released Wednesday confirms that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, died from penetrating wounds to her torso, likely inflicted by a sharp object. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide.
The autopsy report had been kept from public view since November, when a judge granted law enforcement's request to seal it. Prosecutors agreed this week to release the document.
Celeste's dismembered and decomposed remains were found in bags stored in a Tesla trunk parked in the Hollywood Hills in September. According to the autopsy, her body had deteriorated significantly by the time of examination, with her eye color unable to be determined. Two fingers were missing, along with portions of her arms and legs.
The girl wore braces at the time of her death and had a small tattoo reading "Shhh...." on the inside of one finger.
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was charged Monday with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a dead body. The 21-year-old alt-pop artist pleaded not guilty. His defense team stated he did not cause her death and vowed to vigorously defend his innocence.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste to silence her after she threatened to report a sexual relationship between them that began when she was 13. They contend he feared the disclosure would damage his rising career. A criminal complaint states he killed her with a sharp object and dismembered her body roughly two weeks later.
Dr. Odey C. Ukpo, the county's chief medical examiner, issued a statement Wednesday expressing frustration with the delay. "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," he said. "It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."
Since taking the position three years ago, Ukpo has pushed for greater transparency from his office, arguing that sealing autopsy reports does not serve investigations. He has said he would only comply with court-ordered holds on releasing findings.
Author James Rodriguez: "Four months is an unconscionable wait for a family to learn the basic facts of how their child died, and Ukpo's resistance to these needless delays deserves more scrutiny of how often law enforcement abuses the sealing process."
Comments