Chiropractor Found Dead On Floor Of His Office
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Authorities are investigating the death of a chiropractor found dead on the floor of his Palms office.
Los Angeles Police said the victim, who has now been identified as 54-year-old Robert Rainey of Culver City, was apparently killed between 7 and 8 a.m. at 9225 Venice Blvd., said Sgt. Craig Brown of the LAPD's Pacific Division.
"We're all shocked, it's like -- What?! What happened?" said Mark Westover, who's a neighbor and friend of the Rainey family. He's done some handy work for the doctor and was watching his dogs following his death.
Police say Rainey was an assault victim. Officer Bruce Borihanh of the LAPD's Media Relations Section said officers "responded to a (report of a) male in his 50s lying at the location."
Rainey was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Borihanh said.
Borihanh said a motive was unknown but said the victim "suffered severe head trauma."
The victim is reportedly brother of Los Angeles Times reporter James Rainey.
Friends told KCAL9 and CBS2 reporter Carter Evans that Rainey was always nice ... and maybe too trusting.
Emma Landaverde, who worked for the doctor for 20 years at his office and at his home as a housekeeper, couldn't believe anyone would want him dead. "He was such a nice man, nice guy. Lots of friends, everywhere."
A patient found the doctor on the floor with a broken jaw and missing teeth. Police called the beating particularly brutal.
Lt. John Radtke acknowledged police have little to go on. "We're interested in talking to anyone who was out here between 6:30 to 8 in the morning that might have seen something."
Robbery could be a possible motive, according to authorities.
"No, couldn't have been, couldn't have been. He was always pretty frugal," said Westover, who doubts that robbery was what instigated his friend's death.
No murder weapon was recovered and the victim's wallet was missing.
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