D4vd: Why LAPD Released the Tesla After Forty-Eight Hours
About this episode
Retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer discusses the LAPD's handling of evidence in the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's murder.
LAPD reportedly held the Tesla containing Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains for forty-eight hours before releasing it. The autopsy was completed months before charges were filed but sealed at LAPD's request — reportedly over the medical examiner's own public objection. And when prosecutors finally disclosed the scope of digital evidence, they confirmed over forty terabytes of data including alleged child exploitation material from Burke's devices. Retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer examines whether the evidence-handling decisions in this case reflect standard investigative practice or whether they represent failures that the defense will exploit. The unsealed autopsy report determined Celeste died from two penetrating wounds to the torso — both with smooth edges consistent with a sharp instrument. One perforated her liver. The other damaged ribs. Her body had been dismembered — arms and legs severed, with blue plastic fragments embedded in the cut surfaces. Toxicology screening returned presumptive positives for benzodiazepines and meth or MDMA. Celeste was fourteen. She weighed seventy-one pounds at examination. Coffindaffer analyzes the forensic profile — what…
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