Early in the morning of May 31, a horrendous and utterly senseless tragedy occurred, when Dr. Robert Rainey was murdered in his chiropractic office, located at 9255 Venice Blvd.  Police are investigating, and anyone with information about this murder is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, West Bureau Homicide Unit, at (213) 382-9375 during business hours.  Tips  may also be directed to the 24-hour anonymous number, 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or Text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at http://lacrimestoppers.org.  The LAPD has put out a "Community Alert" flier, which you are encouraged to study and also to share by email and other means.

Dr. Rainey, who was fifty-four years old, was adored by his wife and family, and was treasured by his patients and his many other friends and acquaintances  throughout the community.  (The office was located in a portion of Palms that will become part of the 5th Council District once redistricting is officially finalized.)  Robert Rainey was a rugged marathon runner but also a gentle person, known for his kind ways and generous spirit.   It is devastating for all the people who knew him to know that he was attacked and beaten to death. 

At the request of the LAPD,  Councilmember Koretz, authored a motion, unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council, authorizing a reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Robert Rainey.  The sum of $50,000 shall be the aggregate maximum sum of any payment or payments of such a City reward. 

On June 21, Councilmember Koretz joined with members of the Rainey family and representatives of the LAPD to announce the reward.  He said, "the sorrow this family feels must seem like a impossible burden to carry, but this entire city joins with them in mourning over such a cruel and tragic loss. We offer what comfort we can through the tears we shed and prayers we share, and through our strong actions described today.  My deepest, heartfelt condolences also go to this community, for Robert Rainey was a healer of people, a helper for those in pain and those in need, and a friend and ally to countless local residents, and so the community is stricken, has suffered and is in grief.  We will do what we can to stand up for law, justice and public safety, but also for the healing of the fabric of a community that like all communities, desperately deserves and seeks peace and safety from violence and crime."