(Seattle, Washington) – More than 30 years after the death of Kurt Cobain, an independent researcher is again challenging the official ruling that the Nirvana frontman died by suicide, claiming instead that his death should be classified as a homicide.
Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, was found dead in his Seattle home in April 1994. Authorities concluded he died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound, and a suicide note was found at the scene. That ruling has never been changed.
Brian Burnett, who describes himself as a forensic specialist, disputes that conclusion. In comments to the Daily Mail, Burnett said he believes Cobain was murdered. Along with independent researcher Michelle Wilkins, Burnett co-authored a peer-reviewed paper outlining ten points of evidence they claim suggest another person was present at the time of Cobain’s death.
The pair argue Cobain was first incapacitated by a heroin overdose before being fatally shot, and that the scene was staged to resemble a suicide. Wilkins claims organ damage observed during the autopsy is more consistent with oxygen deprivation from an overdose than with immediate death from a shotgun wound. She also points to blood pattern analysis that she says could indicate Cobain’s body was moved.
Wilkins further disputes the interpretation of the suicide note, arguing it does not clearly express suicidal intent.
A spokesperson for the King County Medical Examiner’s Office said the office conducted a full autopsy in coordination with law enforcement and determined Cobain’s death was a suicide. Officials say they are open to reviewing cases if credible new evidence emerges, but maintain nothing presented so far warrants reopening the investigation.
Cobain’s death remains one of the most scrutinized celebrity deaths in modern history. His daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, inherited much of his estate and is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $220 million as of mid-2025. There is no allegation linking her to the claims.
Despite recurring speculation, authorities continue to stand by the original conclusion: Kurt Cobain died by suicide.
