LAPD detective who was fatally shot in Whittier worked on Derrick Rose case

WHITTIER, Calif. (KABC) -- The death of a Los Angeles Police Department detective in Whittier is being investigated as suicide, police said.

"We are heartbroken about the tragic death of Detective Nadine Hernandez, a 19-year veteran of the department," LAPD said in a statement. "It is a loss that touches us all in the LAPD family."

Hernandez was among several detectives who worked on the Derrick Rose case, the department said.

"At this point there is no indication that her case work had any connection to her death. The Rose investigation will continue unimpeded," LAPD said.

The death was reported at Hernandez's home in the 8400 block of Via Sierra Ramal Tuesday afternoon.

Whittier police said responding officers found Hernandez suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. She was transported to Whittier Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A firearm was recovered at the scene, police said, but it was not known if it was Hernandez's service weapon.

In an afternoon press conference, police said typically for a female, suicide by a gunshot to the chest was not normal and they were leaving all possibilities open until the investigation is complete.

"...That would not be the norm for a gunshot wound as a motive of suicide. Normally, females take pills or they end up hanging themselves," said Officer Hugo Figueroa of Whittier PD.

Authorities said there were no signs of foul play. Detectives found information at the scene that led them to believe this was a suicide, although police did not release detailed information about what evidence they found.

According to Whittier police, a family member of Hernandez was present at the time of the shooting, and that family member was the one who dialed 911. Whittier police added that there is no reason to believe that family member was involved in the shooting.

Despite the fact that investigators aren't currently looking for any suspects, police said the case isn't yet closed.

"We're still investigating, and we're keeping all of our options and avenues open. We're still waiting on the coroner's report, which should be released within six weeks or so, and they will determine the cause of death," added Figueroa.

The 44-year-old resident of Whittier was assigned to LAPD's robbery homicide division, police said.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this case, you're urged to contact the Whittier Police Department at (562) 567-9270.