Random Act of Violence Shatters the World of LAT Media Critic James Rainey

News of the brutal murder yesterday morning of chiropractor Robert Rainey at his Palms office on Venice Blvd. was first reported by tireless LA Times LA Now beat writer Andrew Blankstein. With a last sentence that must surely have been most difficult to write: ‘Rainey is the brother of Times media writer James Rainey.’

The LAPD is appealing for the public’s help to solve what appears to have been a vicious act of robbery. Dr. Rainey lived in nearby Culver City.

This morning, Blankstein filed a second report with theories being pursued by the police:

Authorities said Rainey may have been followed into work earlier that morning. Rainey was an avid long-distance runner, about 6 feet 2 inches tall and physically fit. Police are examining the possibility that the suspect caught him by surprise.

FishbowlLA would like to offer its sincerest condolences to the Rainey family and the many others who were fortunate to count the good doctor as their friend. RIP.

[To contact the LAPD's West Bureau Homicide Unit with any relevant information, readers should call (213) 382-9470 or (877) LAPD-24-7.]