Los Angeles Medical Examiner Staff Face Inquiry Over Alleged Unauthorized File Access

By Blessing Nweke

More than a dozen employees at the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Department have been ordered to answer questions in an internal investigation into whether confidential law enforcement files were accessed without authorization.

The inquiry, led by the Los Angeles County Human Resources Department, follows media reports that revealed graphic details from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez before her autopsy records were officially unsealed. Several sources familiar with the matter said investigators, office staff and other employees have recently been instructed to attend recorded interviews as part of the probe.

The Medical Examiner’s Department, commonly known as the coroner’s office, declined to comment, saying it does not discuss ongoing investigations.

Celeste’s remains were discovered in September inside an abandoned Tesla sedan registered to singer D4vd, attracting widespread public attention. Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department requested that the medical examiner withhold records while the homicide investigation continued.

The medical examiner initially rejected that request, citing insufficient legal authority to block public access. A court later issued an order in November placing the case file under seal.

The Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association, which represents medical examiner investigators, confirmed that some members had been notified of the inquiry but declined further comment. The union urged the county to conduct the investigation fairly and without prejudice while allowing the process to run its course.

SEIU 721, representing administrative staff, also declined to discuss the investigation but reaffirmed its commitment to protecting victim privacy.

D4vd, whose legal name is David A. Burke, was arrested in April and charged with murder, including special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, financial gain and murdering a witness. He has pleaded not guilty, while his attorneys maintain he is innocent and intend to vigorously contest the charges in court.