Nadine Hernandez, a 44-year-old detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was found dead on October 11, 2016, in her home in Whittier, California. Hernandez, who had been with the LAPD for 19 years, was discovered with a single gunshot wound to her chest. She was transported to Whittier Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A firearm was recovered at the scene, but it was not immediately clear if it was her service weapon.
The Whittier Police Department initially treated the case as a possible suicide, although they noted that it was unusual for a female to commit suicide by shooting herself in the chest. Despite the lack of immediate signs of foul play, the investigation remained open pending further evidence and the coroner's report.
Hernandez was a detective in the Robbery-Homicide Division's Special Assault Section and was involved in several high-profile cases, including the investigation into rape allegations against NBA star Derrick Rose. At the time of her death, there was no indication that her work on the Rose case was connected to her death. The LAPD emphasized that the investigation into Rose would continue without interruption. Hernandez's death was a significant loss to the department, and her colleagues expressed their grief and shock over the incident.
The investigation into Hernandez's death involved multiple agencies, including the Whittier Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Authorities found information at the scene that suggested suicide, but they did not release specific details about the evidence. A family member was present at the time of the shooting and called 911, but there was no reason to believe that this family member was involved in the incident. The case remained open as investigators awaited the coroner's report to determine the official cause of death.
In the aftermath of Hernandez's death, there were no arrests or suspects identified in connection with the incident. The investigation did not uncover any evidence of foul play, and the focus remained on determining whether the death was a suicide. The LAPD and Whittier Police Department continued to explore all possibilities, keeping the case open until all avenues were thoroughly examined. The tragic death of Detective Nadine Hernandez left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community she served, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by law enforcement officers.
