Cause of Death Revealed For Teen Found Dismembered In D4vd's Tesla

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities on Wednesday released the cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 15-year-old girl whose mutilated remains were found inside a car at a Hollywood tow yard seven months ago.

The release of the medical examiner's report comes after David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, was charged this week with murder in Celeste's death. Burke is also accused of sexually abusing her over at least a year, starting when he was 18 and she was 13.

Celeste's cause of death was described by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as "multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)," with the manner of death ruled a homicide.

Prosecutors have described the weapon used to kill Celeste only as "a sharp instrument."

The autopsy found two penetrating wounds that may represent "sharp force injuries" to her torso. She also had wounds that penetrated her liver and chest, NBC News reported.

Though the medical examiner completed an examination of Celeste's remains on Sept. 10, two days after her remains were found, the office was prohibited from releasing the findings it made in December due to a court order, according to the office.

The Los Angeles Police Department sought and successfully received a court order limiting the release of medical examiner's records, prompting criticism from the chief medical examiner.

“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. “It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter. The transparency of the information contained in our findings and reports is essential for empowering the community to make informed changes to affectively reduce fear and allowing the community to take informed action.

"Making the Department’s information publicly available is not just about accountability, it is about social justice and prevention. By ensuring access to this information, we strengthen our ability to learn, to act, and ultimately to prevent the next tragic loss of life. I want to extend my gratitude to our partner agencies for taking the necessary step of filing an order with the court to make this disclosure possible.”

The LAPD chief addressed some of that criticism at a news conference announcing charges against Burke. "We had to be certain that nothing we did or said would ever jeopardize this case," Chief Jim McDonnell said.

Celeste's remains were found inside two bags inside the front trunk of Burke's Tesla after it had been towed from a Hollywood Hills street, according to authorities.

Prosecutors claim Burke, a successful musician, killed Celeste to protect his career and reputation after the girl "threatened to expose" his sexual abuse of her. Burke pleaded not guilty on Monday to all charges.

• Read more: Celeste 'Threatened To Expose' Sexual Abuse By D4vd Before He Murdered Her: DA

Celeste's parents released a statement following Burke's arraignment this week. "All we want is Justice for Celeste," it reads, in part.