In 1995, Courtney Love formally requested that the Seattle Police Department surrender all files pertaining to the investigation into the death of her late husband, Kurt Cobain. The demand, submitted via a letter from her attorney Bryan Coluccio to then-Police Chief Norm Stamper on October 20, 1995, sought sole possession of the complete case file with no copies to remain with the department. Love, who was married to the Nirvana frontman from 1992 until his death in 1994, had agreed with the official ruling that Cobain died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Coluccio's letter stated that Love and Cobain's estate were satisfied with the Seattle Police Department's investigation and considered the matter closed. The file reportedly contained personal letters, financial documents, and undeveloped film. The attorney cited attempts by "several persons" to profit from Cobain's death as a reason for the official request.
However, the Seattle Police Department denied the request. Former Seattle police Captain Neil Low, who initially supported the suicide ruling, later voiced his belief that Cobain's death was a homicide. Low described Love's request as "totally absurd," emphasizing that police agencies are legally obligated to maintain official business and correspondence as public records. He argued that complying with Love's demand would violate statutes of public record compliance and accountability.
Michelle Wilkins of the investigative organization "Who Killed Kurt?" also commented on the situation, stating that demands to remove investigative materials from police custody hinder the pursuit of truth and make future scrutiny more difficult. The organization believes Cobain's case warrants re-examination due to concerns of a potential homicide.
Cobain died on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but questions and alternative theories have persisted over the years. The details of Love's 1995 request and its subsequent denial have resurfaced amid ongoing discussions about the case.