Overview
- The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner publicly released the findings Wednesday after an LAPD-initiated court order had blocked disclosure since the determination on December 9.
- The report concludes the 15-year-old died from multiple penetrating injuries to the torso and documents dismemberment and severe postmortem changes.
- Initial toxicology screening showed presumptive positives for benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA, while a low ethanol level likely reflected postmortem change and did not contribute to death.
- Investigators found her dismembered remains in two bags in the front trunk of a Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard in September 2025 after the car sat there for months.
- Prosecutors charged David Anthony Burke on Monday with murder, unlawful mutilation of human remains, and continuous sexual abuse of a child; he has pleaded not guilty, remains held without bail, and faces a preliminary hearing Thursday.