A Los Angeles police officer who was one of two assigned to investigate the rape allegations against NBA star Derrick Rose has been found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound:
According to reports, on Tuesday afternoon, officers found 44-year-old LAPD Det. Nadine Hernandez bleeding out in a Whittier, CA home after suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Lt. Steve Dean of the Whittier Police Department reported that Hernandez was found after police received a call of an attempted suicide at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Despite rushing Hernandez to the hospital, the wound proved to be fatal and she passed away later that day.
As for now, police have ruled out any indications of foul play, despite Hernandez being a lead detective on such a high profile case. Authorities did find a handgun at the home, which is said to be owned by a retired LAPD lieutenant, believed to be a relative:
Whittier Police released this statement:
“At this time, there are no signs of foul play, and this incident is being investigated as a suicide.”
“However, this is an ongoing investigation and we will continue to collaborate with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office as part of our investigation.”
They later added:
“At this point, there is no indication that her case work had any connection to her death. The Rose investigation will continue unimpeded.”
According to the L.A. Times, last month, Hernandez wrote a letter cited in federal court confirming that the department was looking into sexual abuse allegations in connection with a rape complaint against Rose.