Curley Revisits Kurt Cobain Death Despite SPD Refusing to Reopen Case

More than 30 years after Nirvana frontman's death, new evidence sparks renewed speculation about suicide ruling.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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More than 30 years after the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, radio host John Curley has taken another look at the case details. Despite the Seattle Police Department (SPD) saying Cobain's case remains closed with no plans to revisit it, a private forensic team has determined his death was a homicide, not a suicide as originally ruled. Curley and his team have uncovered inconsistencies in Cobain's suicide note and other evidence that they believe points to homicide.

Why it matters

Cobain's death has long been a source of controversy, with many fans refusing to accept the suicide ruling. This renewed investigation could potentially lead to the SPD reopening the case, which would have significant implications for Cobain's legacy and the public's trust in the original investigation.

The details

After reviewing evidence, a private sector forensic team brought in independent forensic specialist Brian Burnett, who determined Cobain's death was a homicide. This contradicts the SPD's stance that the case remains closed. Curley and his team have uncovered potential inconsistencies in Cobain's suicide note, with half of it appearing to be written by someone else. There are also theories about financial motives, suggesting Cobain's then-wife Courtney Love may have had reason to arrange his death after allegedly being written out of his will.

  • Cobain was found dead in 1994.
  • The SPD has maintained the case is closed for over 30 years.
  • The private forensic team's new findings were reported in 2026.

The players

Kurt Cobain

The lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the band Nirvana, who was found dead in 1994.

John Curley

The host of "The John Curley Show" on KIRO Newsradio, who has taken another look at the details surrounding Cobain's death.

Brian Burnett

An independent forensic specialist brought in by a private sector forensic team, who determined Cobain's death was a homicide.

Courtney Love

Cobain's then-wife, who some theorize may have had a financial motive to arrange his death after allegedly being written out of his will.

Neil Lowe

A Seattle Police Department officer who reviewed the case and determined the original investigation was botched.

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What they’re saying

“SPD officer [Neil Lowe] is saying that the problem is, they went in there thinking it was a suicide, and it was a botched investigation.”

— John Curley, Radio Host (KIRO Newsradio)

“Kurt Cobain fans still, many of them do not believe that he killed himself, and he had a lot of stuff to look forward to.”

— John Curley, Radio Host (KIRO Newsradio)

“Half of it seems to be in Cobain's handwriting, and the other half seems like it was written by somebody else.”

— Joe Wallace, KIRO Newsradio Producer (KIRO Newsradio)

What’s next

The Seattle Police Department has stated it has no plans to reopen the Kurt Cobain case, despite the new evidence and findings from the private forensic team.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing controversy and speculation surrounding Kurt Cobain's death, with new evidence potentially challenging the original suicide ruling. The renewed investigation could lead to the SPD revisiting the case, which would have significant implications for Cobain's legacy and public trust in the original investigation.