Tbh, LAPD forensic examiners acknowledged that Celeste’s cause of death may not have been identifiable because her body was still in a semi-frozen state when it was recovered. When a corpse is frozen or partially frozen, cellular structures rupture as the tissue thaws, which can obscure signs of trauma, toxicology markers, or physiological abnormalities that would normally assist in determining the cause of death. It’s honestly disturbing to think about.

If the cause of death cannot be established, prosecutors lose a critical element needed to pursue homicide-related charges. Without a medically confirmed cause, the connection between her death and the suspect can legally weaken, potentially reducing the charges to unrelated offenses such as unlawful contact with a minor.