LAPD detective investigating Derrick Rose case found with gunshot wound, dies

A Los Angeles police detective who investigated sexual assault allegations made against New York Knicks star Derrick Rose died after she was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Tuesday.

The death of LAPD Det. Nadine Hernandez, 44, is being investigated as a suicide, police in Whittier, Calif., said in a news release on Wednesday.

"At this time there are no signs of foul play," the agency said. "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."

Police in Whittier, a city about 12 miles east of Los Angeles, received a 911 call where the caller reported hearing a gunshot at 2:45 pm on Tuesday. Officers responded to a residence and found Hernandez with a single gunshot wound to the chest. She was transported to an area hospital where she died, Whittier police said. A gun was found at the scene.

The Los Angeles Times  and the City News Service were the first outlets to report Hernandez's death.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s department spokesperson Lt. David Smith told USA TODAY Sports that Hernandez's autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday.

Hernandez sent a letter to lawyers representing the alleged victim who accused Rose and two friends of sexually assaulting her last month where she described LAPD’s investigation as ongoing. The letter was part of another bid by the alleged victim’s legal team to keep her identity secret at trial.

Derrick Rose says he suspected 'rape' setup soon after act

"The ability to offer anonymous to victims of sex crimes is an invaluable investigative aid to investigators as well as a great comfort to victims of crimes of such a sensitive nature," Hernandez wrote.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Fitzgerald criticized the filing before the start of the civil trial, which is underway in Los Angeles.

“The most recent and egregious example is the publicity given to a letter from an LAPD detective to plaintiff’s counsel, which would never be admissible at trial,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald said the alleged victim’s lawyers may have violated the California Rules of Professional Conduct — which forbid “threatening criminal charges to gain advantage in a civil dispute” and  “prejudicial trial publicity” — by making the letter public.