The cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been “deferred” after the 15-year-old’s body was found in musician D4vd’s Tesla.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed that the cause of death for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered earlier this month in a Tesla registered to musician D4vd (full name David Anthony Burke), has been listed as “deferred.” Officials said it may take several months to be determined.
Hernandez’s body was found on September 8 inside a bag in the front boot of the car, which had been impounded in Hollywood after being parked for weeks. On Monday (September 29), the exact cause of death was noted as “deferred”, according to Yahoo!.
“Due to the ongoing death investigation, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested,” the medical examiner’s office said.
“Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined.”
LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams told People that the vehicle registered to D4vd had been stationary in its final location for several, with reports indicating it had been parked in various spots since at least May. “It is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered,” Williams said.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner report noted the body was “severely decomposed,” with wavy black hair and a tattoo on her right index finger that read “Shhh…”. Officials confirmed the body had been inside the car for “an extended period of time before being found.”
Williams stated: “We know for sure that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died and someone placed her body in the front trunk area of David Burke’s [D4vd’s] Tesla. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not determined a cause or manner of her death, so we don’t know for sure if anyone has any criminal culpability for her death beyond the concealment of her dead body.”
The LAPD robbery-homicide division continues to investigate. Sources told People that D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, has been cooperating with authorities.
The 20-year-old artist has since cancelled his U.S. tour, a planned deluxe edition of his debut album Withered, and has been dropped from the Australian Spilt Milk festival lineup.
MORE IN Music
