CASE FILE #KC-1994-0405
KURT COBAIN
February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994
Official Ruling: Suicide | Forensic Evidence: Disputed | Status: Case Closed by SPD
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 | 40 Nodes | 38 Connections | 19 Sourced Evidence Items
12 CONCRETE FACTS
Not theories. Not speculation. Documented facts from official records.
#1
THE WILL CHANGE
On March 1, 1994 - one month before his death - Kurt asked lawyer Rosemary Carroll to remove Courtney Love from his will. The change was never completed. He died intestate. As widow, Love inherited the estate instead of receiving a limited share under their prenuptial agreement.
Source: Tom Grant recordings, multiple corroborating sources
VERIFIED
#2
THE HEROIN DOSE
Toxicology found 1.52 mg/L blood morphine (heroin metabolite). Dr. Cyril Wecht, prominent forensic pathologist: "Enough heroin in his system to kill five people." He questioned how anyone at that level could neatly put away injection equipment, then operate a shotgun.
Source: King County Medical Examiner toxicology report; Dr. Wecht testimony
VERIFIED - EXPERT OPINION
#3
ZERO FINGERPRINTS
The shotgun was not checked for fingerprints until May 6, 1994 - one full month after the death. Four latent prints were lifted. Result: No legible prints recovered from any item - including Cobain's own prints on a gun he supposedly handled.
Source: Seattle Police Department records (released 2014)
VERIFIED
#4
THE HANDWRITING
The main body of the note reads as a retirement letter from music, not a suicide note. Only the last four lines reference death. Dr. Mozelle Martin, court-certified questioned document examiner (36 years): analysis "strongly suggests that Kurt Cobain likely did not author the last four lines."
Source: Dr. Mozelle Martin forensic analysis; Marcel Matley independent analysis
EXPERT OPINION
#5
THE PRACTICE SHEET
A handwriting practice sheet was found in Courtney Love's purse/backpack. Forensic examiners noted the final lines of the suicide note "closely match the handwriting features found in the practice note."
Source: Tom Grant investigation; allegedly confirmed by Rosemary Carroll
DISPUTED - Grant's claim; Carroll has never spoken publicly
#6
CREDIT CARD USED AFTER DEATH
Cobain's estimated death: April 5. On April 6 at 7:07 AM, a $1,517.56 cash advance was attempted on his credit card. The card was not physically present. Additional attempts logged April 8. The perpetrator has never been identified.
Source: Seafirst Mastercard bank records; Seattle Times (May 11, 1994)
VERIFIED
#7
EL DUCE PASSED POLYGRAPH
Musician Eldon "El Duce" Hoke claimed Courtney Love offered him $50,000 to kill Kurt Cobain. In 1996, he passed a polygraph test administered by Dr. Edward Gelb regarding this claim. He named someone called "Allen" as the actual perpetrator.
Source: Dr. Edward Gelb polygraph; "Kurt & Courtney" documentary (1998)
VERIFIED - Polygraph administered and passed
#8
EL DUCE DEAD 8 DAYS LATER
On April 11, 1997, El Duce filmed his claims for Nick Broomfield's documentary. On April 19, 1997 - eight days later - he was found dead on railroad tracks in Riverside, California. Hit by a freight train. Decapitated. Official cause: "misadventure."
Source: Riverside County Coroner's report
VERIFIED
#9
SAME LAWYERS, SAME MANAGERS
Rosemary Carroll was lawyer for both Kurt and Courtney (conflict of interest). Danny Goldberg and John Silva (Gold Mountain Entertainment) managed both Nirvana and Hole. Every key professional around Kurt was also working for Courtney.
Source: Public record; industry documentation
VERIFIED
#10
FORMER SPD CHIEF: REOPEN
Norm Stamper, former Seattle Police Chief: "If I were the chief today, I would reopen this investigation." In February 2026, retired SPD Captain Neil Low (50 years on force): "I think it is a homicide, and the case should be reopened."
Source: CBS News; Daily Mail (February 2026)
VERIFIED - EXPERT OPINION
#11
COURTNEY IN EPSTEIN ADDRESS BOOK
Courtney Love's name, phone numbers, and Beverly Hills address appear in Jeffrey Epstein's address book. She does not appear in flight logs, documents, or emails. Love claims she never met Epstein.
Source: Epstein court documents; epsteinexposed.com
VERIFIED
#12
$50 MILLION TO $450 MILLION
Cobain's estate at death: ~$50 million. Courtney Love inherited as widow (will change never completed, prenup voided by death not divorce). Estate value by 2014: $450 million. Love controlled 98% of Nirvana publishing rights.
Source: Estate filings; court documents; CNBC
VERIFIED
TIMELINE: THE FINAL 39 DAYS
March 1 - April 8, 1994
MAR 1
WILL CHANGE REQUESTED
Kurt asks lawyer Rosemary Carroll to remove Courtney Love from his will. Never completed.
Kurt asks lawyer Rosemary Carroll to remove Courtney Love from his will. Never completed.
MAR 4
ROME OVERDOSE
Rohypnol + champagne at Westin Excelsior. Coma. Dr. Galletta: "Not a suicide attempt." Courtney later reframes as suicide attempt.
Rohypnol + champagne at Westin Excelsior. Coma. Dr. Galletta: "Not a suicide attempt." Courtney later reframes as suicide attempt.
MAR 18
FIREARMS CONFISCATED
Domestic disturbance at home. Seattle police confiscate Cobain's guns.
Domestic disturbance at home. Seattle police confiscate Cobain's guns.
MAR 25
INTERVENTION
~10 people: Love, Novoselic, Smear, Grohl, Goldberg, Silva, Carlson. Kurt locked himself in bedroom, eventually agreed to detox.
~10 people: Love, Novoselic, Smear, Grohl, Goldberg, Silva, Carlson. Kurt locked himself in bedroom, eventually agreed to detox.
MAR 30
REHAB + SHOTGUN
Enters Exodus Recovery Center, LA. Same day: asks Dylan Carlson to buy him a shotgun. Carlson purchases Remington Model 11 at Stan Baker Sports, Seattle.
Enters Exodus Recovery Center, LA. Same day: asks Dylan Carlson to buy him a shotgun. Carlson purchases Remington Model 11 at Stan Baker Sports, Seattle.
APR 1
ESCAPES REHAB
Climbs 6-foot wall at Exodus. Flies Delta 788 LAX to Seattle. Sat next to Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) on the flight.
Climbs 6-foot wall at Exodus. Flies Delta 788 LAX to Seattle. Sat next to Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) on the flight.
APR 2
SEATTLE - LAST SIGHTING
Takes taxi (driver Wodajo Abeye). Buys shotgun shells. Tells driver "I was burglarized." Seen at Lake Washington house.
Takes taxi (driver Wodajo Abeye). Buys shotgun shells. Tells driver "I was burglarized." Seen at Lake Washington house.
APR 3
CREDIT CARD CHARGES BEGIN
$1,100 charge denied. Further attempts $2,500-$5,000 denied. Courtney hires PI Tom Grant to find Kurt.
$1,100 charge denied. Further attempts $2,500-$5,000 denied. Courtney hires PI Tom Grant to find Kurt.
APR 4
MISSING PERSONS REPORT
Two failed credit card charges ($86.60, flowers). Love files missing persons report under her mother's maiden name.
Two failed credit card charges ($86.60, flowers). Love files missing persons report under her mother's maiden name.
APR 5
ESTIMATED DATE OF DEATH
King County Medical Examiner determination. Body lies undiscovered in greenhouse above garage for THREE DAYS.
King County Medical Examiner determination. Body lies undiscovered in greenhouse above garage for THREE DAYS.
APR 6
CREDIT CARD USED AFTER DEATH
7:07 AM: $1,517.56 cash advance attempted. Card NOT physically present. Perpetrator never identified.
7:07 AM: $1,517.56 cash advance attempted. Card NOT physically present. Perpetrator never identified.
APR 8
BODY DISCOVERED
Electrician Gary Smith (VECA Electric) finds body in greenhouse. "At first I thought it was a mannequin." Shotgun across chest. Suicide note on planter. Courtney arrested in Beverly Hills for drug possession same day.
Electrician Gary Smith (VECA Electric) finds body in greenhouse. "At first I thought it was a mannequin." Shotgun across chest. Suicide note on planter. Courtney arrested in Beverly Hills for drug possession same day.
THE 3-DAY GAP (April 5-8)
Despite an active search by PI Tom Grant and Dylan Carlson, nobody checked the greenhouse above the garage for three days. Grant claims Love directed the search away from the greenhouse. Nanny Cali DeWitt was intermittently at the house but says he never entered the greenhouse. Love was in Los Angeles undergoing her own drug intervention.
THE SUICIDE NOTE
What It Actually Says
The note is addressed to "Boddah" - Cobain's childhood imaginary friend. The main body discusses his disillusionment with music and fame, his inability to feel excitement from performing, and references Neil Young's lyric "it's better to burn out than to fade away."
The main body reads as a retirement letter from music - not a suicide note.
The Controversial Last Four Lines
"Please keep going Courtney, for Frances. For her life, which will be so much happier without me. I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!"
These four lines are written in noticeably different, larger, more scrawled handwriting. They are the only lines that reference death or suicide.
Expert Analysis
- Dr. Mozelle Martin (36 years court-certified): Analysis "strongly suggests that Kurt Cobain likely did not author the last four lines."
- Marcel Matley (handwriting expert): Reported "more than a dozen differences" in the last four lines.
- Tom Grant (PI): Concluded the main body was explaining why Cobain wanted to quit music and leave Courtney - not a suicide note. Only the final four lines convert it.
The Second Note
In 2014, Seattle Police released a previously unseen note found in Cobain's wallet at the death scene. CBS News reported it "mocks marriage vows to Courtney Love." This is separate from the suicide note.
WHO BENEFITED FINANCIALLY
Follow the money.
COURTNEY LOVE
Widow
Inherited 98% of Nirvana publishing rights. Estate grew from $50M to $450M. The prenuptial agreement that would have protected Kurt's assets in divorce became irrelevant because he died. The will change removing her was never completed. She later sold portions to Primary Wave Music for $19.5M+.
DAVID GEFFEN / DGC RECORDS
Record Label
Expected to sell 250,000 copies of Nevermind. Sold 25 MILLION. After death: In Utero jumped from #72 to #27. Nevermind sales increased 200%. MTV Unplugged debuted at #1, sold 3M+ copies in 5 months. Dead artists sell more.
DANNY GOLDBERG
Manager (Nirvana AND Hole)
From artist manager to: CEO of Atlantic Records, CEO of Warner Bros Records, CEO of Mercury Records. Published "Serving the Servant" (2019) profiting from Kurt's story. Actively defends Courtney Love.
JOHN SILVA
Manager (Nirvana AND Hole)
Founded Silva Artist Management. Became Dave Grohl's manager. Manages Foo Fighters ($1M+ per show), Beck, Nine Inch Nails. Pollstar Manager of the Year 2023 AND 2024.
DAVE GROHL
Drummer / 12.5% Royalties
Net worth: $330M. Formed Foo Fighters. Kept same manager (Silva). Admitted relationship with Kurt was "weird towards the end." Most of his wealth comes from Foo Fighters, not Nirvana royalties.
THE NETWORK MAP
Everyone around Kurt was also working for Courtney.
DAVID GEFFEN
(Geffen/DGC Records)
Signed Nirvana 1991
|
DANNY GOLDBERG ---- JOHN SILVA
(Gold Mountain Ent.) (Gold Mountain)
Managed Nirvana Managed Nirvana
Managed Hole Managed Hole
CEO Warner Bros Manages Foo Fighters
| |
KURT COBAIN ===== COURTNEY LOVE DAVE GROHL
(victim) married (suspect) (person of interest)
| | | |
DYLAN CARLSON CALI DeWITT | FOO FIGHTERS
(bought gun) (nanny, from | ($1M+ per show)
Hole first) |
| ROSEMARY CARROLL
KANYE WEST (lawyer for BOTH)
(Yeezy 2016) Kurt asked her to
| change will March 1
GEFFEN RECORDS
(DeWitt A&R job
after death)
WITNESSES:
TOM GRANT (PI) --- recorded 30+ hrs --- says MURDER
EL DUCE --- passed polygraph --- DEAD 8 DAYS LATER
HANK HARRISON (her father) --- published book accusing her
DR. WECHT --- "enough heroin to kill five people"
NORM STAMPER (ex-SPD Chief) --- "I would reopen"
NEIL LOW (ret. SPD Captain) --- "This is a homicide" (2026)
KEY WITNESSES
TOM GRANT
Private Investigator
Hired by Courtney Love on April 3 to find Kurt. Recorded 30+ hours of conversations. Concluded Cobain was murdered. Claims Love directed search AWAY from greenhouse. Website: cobaincase.com
ALIVE - Active investigator
ELDON "EL DUCE" HOKE
Witness - Murder Plot
Claimed Courtney Love offered him $50,000 to "whack" Kurt Cobain. Passed polygraph test (1996). Named "Allen" as the actual perpetrator. Filmed interview April 11, 1997.
DEAD - Hit by freight train, decapitated, April 19, 1997. EIGHT DAYS after filming.
ROSEMARY CARROLL
Lawyer for BOTH Kurt and Courtney
Kurt asked her March 1 to remove Courtney from his will. Allegedly told Tom Grant she found a handwriting practice sheet in Courtney's purse. Has NEVER spoken publicly. Now top entertainment lawyer in NYC.
ALIVE - Silent. Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar & Karalian LLP
HANK HARRISON
Courtney Love's Father
Estranged from daughter. Published "Love Kills: The Assassination of Kurt Cobain" accusing his own daughter. "I can prove her involvement to a high degree of certainty."
Published accusation against his own child
DR. CYRIL WECHT
Forensic Pathologist
"I have never seen a case of someone with such an exceptionally high level of heroin who was able to do what the authorities say Kurt Cobain did." Called heroin level "enough to kill five people."
Expert testimony in "Soaked in Bleach"
NORM STAMPER
Former Seattle Police Chief
"If I were the chief today, I would reopen this investigation. We should have taken steps to study patterns involved in the behavior of key individuals who had a motive to see Kurt Cobain dead."
CBS News interview
CAPTAIN NEIL LOW
Retired SPD Captain (50 years)
Ordered to audit Cobain case in 2005. In February 2026: "I think it is a homicide, and I do think the case should be reopened." Cited unusually clean hands inconsistent with shotgun wounds.
Statement published February 2026
THE PATTERN: ARTISTS WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Kurt Cobain was not the only artist to die under suspicious circumstances.
CHRIS CORNELL
May 18, 2017 - "Hanging" - Detroit
Soundgarden frontman. Investigating Haiti child trafficking. Forensic anomalies in death.
CHESTER BENNINGTON
July 20, 2017 - "Hanging" - Palos Verdes
Linkin Park frontman. Died ON Chris Cornell's birthday. Working on Silent Children documentary about trafficking.
AVICII (Tim Bergling)
April 20, 2018 - Oman
Music video "For a Better Day" depicted child trafficking ring. Exposed trafficking through art.
ANTHONY BOURDAIN
June 8, 2018 - "Hanging" - France
Chef/TV host. Exposed global dark trade. Partner Asia Argento (Weinstein accuser).
WHAT THE LYRICS REVEAL
In Utero (1993) was a documented act of resistance. Sources: Cobain's own interview statements, biographies by Azerrad, Cross, and True.
Evidence He Was Planning to LEAVE (Not Die)
- Interview (Uncut): "To tell you the truth, I would rather just quit my band and join Hole."
- Dave Grohl: Stated Cobain wanted to end the band as early as 1992.
- 1993 interview: Cobain predicted his next album would be "pretty ethereal, acoustic, like R.E.M.'s last album."
- Post-Rome (per Love to MTV): "I hate it - I can't play with them anymore." Only wanted to work with Michael Stipe.
- In Utero itself: Hired Steve Albini to make a deliberately uncommercial record. Geffen initially refused to release it.
Evidence He Felt Trapped by the Industry
- "Heart-Shaped Box" - Originally titled "Heart-Shaped COFFIN." "Locked inside" imagery throughout.
- "Rape Me" - Cobain to Azerrad: the song "now I could definitely use as an example of my life for the past six months or year." Chose the word "rape" to describe what the industry does to artists.
- "Serve the Servants" - Opening line: "Teenage angst has paid off well / Now I'm bored and old." His authentic suffering had been packaged and sold for profit.
- "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge" - Named daughter after Frances Farmer (artist destroyed by institutional control). Cobain to Azerrad: "It almost felt at a time that it was happening to us."
- "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" - Originally titled "Nine Month Media Blackout." Title is literal industry jargon used sarcastically on a deliberately harsh song.
- "Milk It" - Title is industry slang for extracting maximum value. "I am my own parasite" - understood his complicity in his own exploitation.
The Vanity Fair Wound
The September 1992 Vanity Fair article by Lynn Hirschberg about Courtney Love led to Child Protective Services arriving at the hospital with a copy of the magazine and temporarily removing baby Frances Bean. Cobain experienced the media as an entity with the power to take his child. At least four songs on In Utero directly reference this trauma: "Frances Farmer" ("In her false witness"), "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" (originally "Nine Month Media Blackout"), "Serve the Servants" (witch trial imagery), and "Rape Me" (bridge about media relationship).
KEY DOCUMENTARIES
- "Kurt & Courtney" (1998) - Dir: Nick Broomfield. Contains the critical El Duce interview filmed 8 days before his death. Love sent cease-and-desist letters.
- "Soaked in Bleach" (2015) - Built around Tom Grant's recorded phone conversations. Features former SPD Chief Norm Stamper, Dr. Cyril Wecht. Love sent cease-and-desist letters.
- "Montage of Heck" (2015) - HBO, authorized by Cobain family. Notably ends approximately two weeks BEFORE Cobain's death. Does NOT address conspiracy theories.
THE COBAIN FAMILY TODAY
Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) married Courtney Love (Feb 24, 1992, Waikiki)
|-- Frances Bean Cobain (b. August 18, 1992)
|-- First marriage: Isaiah Jones Silva (2014-2016). Silva received Kurt's MTV Unplugged guitar in divorce.
|-- Second marriage: Riley Hawk (October 7, 2023). Officiated by Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Frances' godfather.
|-- Riley is son of Tony Hawk (skateboarding legend)
|-- Son: Ronin Hawk (b. September 2024) - Kurt Cobain's grandson
Frances took complete control of the estate at age 30 (2022). Estate valued at $450 million. She controls publicity rights to Kurt Cobain's name and image.
INVESTIGATION DATABASE
This investigation is tracked in the Apokalypsis database with:
- 40 nodes - People, organizations, and locations connected to this case
- 38+ connections - Mapped relationships between all entities
- 18 timeline events - Verified chronological events (March-April 1994)
- 19 sourced evidence items - Each with URL, source name, confidence score, and legal qualifier
All evidence items are classified: VERIFIED (documented in official records), EXPERT OPINION (forensic specialists), ALLEGED (single-source claims), or DISPUTED (conflicting accounts).
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