RONNI CHASEN, the Hollywood publicist who was murdered in Los Angeles last week whilst travelling home from a film premiere, confided to friends that she was scared after being followed by a stranger back in March 2010, reports the New York Post. Colleagues of the 64-year-old have stated that she made no enemies within the industry, but the publicist had aired her concerns that she was being 'followed' earlier in the year.
Experts have stated that Chasen's murder looks to be the work of professionals who were hired to kill the publicist, rather than a random act of violence. It has been reported that Chasen was likely shot in the chest from somebody travelling in another vehicle, but authorities currently have no leads or motive. After leaving the premiere of new movie 'Burlesque' starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, the publicist was gunned down in one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. One local resident said they heard "motorcycles travelling around the area" at the time of the shooting, but Michael Sands, an officer who has spent decades working with the police and FBI, said, "Never before in my 40 years have I seen motorcycles pacing Whittier Drive".
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday (21st November 2010) for Chasen's funeral. Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, composer Hans Zimmer, and writer-director Larry Cohen were among those paying their respects.