Kurt Cobain conspiracy theorist suing Seattle Police Department

Richard Lee believes Cobain was murdered in 1994

12:29 5th April 2014

A Kurt Cobain death conspiracy theorist is suing the Seattle Police Department, after they released photos of his death scene that had previously been undeveloped.

Richard Lee, who has consistently claimed that Cobain did not commit suicide, but was murdered, is representing himself in the case. The suit claims that the pictures, which took 20 years to see the light of day, should have been released long ago.

Though he's far from the only person who believes the Nirvana lead singer was murdered, Lee is one of the conspiracy's more high-profile supporters, having previously hosted a public access television show called 'Kurt Cobain Was Murdered', and run for mayor several times, unsuccessfully.

Watch part of Lee's documentary series 'Kurt Cobain Was Murdered' below

Recently, as the 20th anniversary of Cobain's death approached, the Seattle Police Department re-examined the case, and published previously undeveloped photos of the death scene, including the original placement of his suicide note. A state law in Washington says that failure to disclose records can result in a fine of $5-100 a day for each document.

Kurt Cobain was found dead on 8 April 1994, at the age of 27, by an electrician who had come to do some work on the house. The coroner estimated his actual death date as 5 April, and police determined that he had committed suicide.

Below: 7 ways in which Kurt Cobain's legacy has been exploited since his death

The shoes: In 2008, Converse released a special edition collection of Kurt Cobain sneakers in collaboration with Courtney Love. The trainers were covered in sketches, scribbles and musings from Cobain's diaries. Cobain famously wore Converse on and off the stage. Other than being bad taste, the shoes are also super ugly.
The video game: Fans of Cobain weren't best pleased when dead-eyed "avatar" of the musician was featured in Guitar Hero 5, choogling his way, oddly, through Bon Jovi's 'You Give Love A Bad Name'. The other Love, Courtney (sorry) denied she had any involvement and blamed it on Nirvana bandmates Dave Grohl and Kris Novoselic, who released a statement saying they were "dismayed and disappointed" by Cobain's appearance in the video game.
The comic: It's recently been announced the Nirvana frontman's life will be chronicled in comic book style by artist Jayfri Hashim who has already penned similar tributes to Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Keith Richards. Best of all? It's for children. "It is a great tool for kids to read about him in a different medium," says publisher Darren G Davis. Hmmm.
The Muppets: Kermit and co took on 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' for a barbershop quartet scene in the feature-length movie version of the popular puppets, and Courtney Love was a bit pissed off, comparing the usage to "rape". A little bit much, although we can't quite get behind it either - despite Dave Grohl and Kris Novoselic giving their permission for the classic song to be used (Grohl also starred in the film).
The beer advert: Dutch brewery Bavaria inexplicably decided to flog their new fruity beer with an eye roll-provoking advert that imagined deceased icons NOT DEAD AT ALL but just hiding out on a beach - with fruit beer- to get away from the world. "Featuring" Cobain, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Elvis and more, it was stupid, tasteless and pulled from the internet faster than you could say: "Who the fuck drinks fruit beer anyway?".
The Memorial Day: February 20 is now officially Kurt Cobain Day in the musician's hometown of Seattle. Even worse, Hoquiam, Washington, have also announced their own Kurt Cobain Day falling on April 10 - despite the fact Cobain only lived there for a short period of his life. Oh dear.
The musical: After previously declaring she had no plans to stage a Kurt Cobain musical, Courtney Love recently declared that a surge of support from fans had changed her mind about taking to Nirvana to Broadway. Reportedly working on the musical with her is her and Kurt's daughter Frances Bean, she says they'll only work with the "most respected" producers and writers. Please, please not Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The publication of his personal items: Was there REALLY any need for the Seattle police to make a note found on Cobain at the time of his death, describing his wife Courtney Love as a "bitch with zits", public knowledge? After all, Cobain's not here to explain himself and whatever your opinion of Love, it must be rather hurtful for her to have this private note available to millions. [Photo via CBS]

Photo: Seattle Police Department