A Los Angeles Police Department detective involved in the rape investigation of Derrick Rose died in what officials are investigating as a suicide Tuesday.
Officers discovered detective Nadine Hernandez in a Whittier, California home while responding to a call reporting an attempted suicide, according to Whittier Police Lt. Steve Dean.
Hernandez, who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she died Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at the Ritz Carlton on September 26, 2016 in White Plains, New York. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The LA Times has learned that Hernandez was “one of two detectives assigned to the Rose case,” according to LAPD sources unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter. Hernandez worked as a detective in the Robbery-Homicide Division Special Assault Section and was frequently involved in high-profile sex crime cases. (RELATED: Derrick Rose Opens Up About The Rape Accusations Against Him)
Rose has been under investigation for allegedly drugging and raping a woman in her Los Angeles home. He has denied the allegations.
(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
The woman’s attorney, Brandon Anand, filed a request in response to the LAPD’s investigation requesting that his client might remain anonymous during the trial. Anand included a letter from Hernandez in his request, in which she was identified as the officer investigating the request, the LA Times reports.
Hernandez defended the anonymity of the accuser, saying anonymity for victims of rape is “an invaluable investigative aid to investigators.” The late detective also said the LAPD would continue to protect the woman’s identity during the investigation.