On Wednesday, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner revealed that Celeste Rivas, the teen found dismembered inside a Tesla in September, died from multiple penetrating injuries caused by an object.
KNX News reviewed the full autopsy report, in which the medical examiner determined Rivas was stabbed twice - once in the abdomen penetrating her liver. Investigators believe she may have been killed around the time she was reported missing from her home in April. Toxicology screening showed no drugs in her system.
The cause of the death was determined in December, but was released now because the Los Angeles Police Department got a court order blocking the medical examiner from making it public, or even telling Celeste's family.
In a statement to KNX News, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo said, “It's unfathomable [Rivas’ family] have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."
Earlier this week, KNX News reported that the LAPD uses a section of the evidence code that's meant to govern what happens in court proceedings when it asks judges to silence the medical examiner in high-profile cases.
On Monday, singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was charged in Rivas’ murder. He pleaded not guilty.
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