Robert Rainey, 54 [Update]

Robert Rainey, a 54-year-old white man, died Thursday, May 31, in the 9200 block of West Venice Boulevard in Palms, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Rainey, a popular Palms chiropractor, was found by a patient about 8 a.m. in the lobby of his office in a strip mall.

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

They plan to examine surveillance video that may help with the identification of a suspect.

Rainey, who is the brother of Times media writer James Rainey, suffered apparent blunt-force trauma to the head. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

LAPD Lt. John Radtke said there was no obvious motive and that the chiropractor was well-liked by his employees and the community.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Bureau homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

[Updated June 21: $50,000 reward to be offered in slaying of L.A. chiropractor]

-- Andrew Blankstein