Veteran publicist Ronni Chasen shot to death in Beverly Hills

64-year-old longtime publicist Ronni Chasen was shot to death early this morning in Beverly Hills, just hours after attending the premiere of the film Burlesque.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Chasen was taken from the scene to Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. One of Chasen’s longstanding clients, Diane Warren, commented to Entertainment Weekly on the incident:

“It’s very shocking,” songwriter Diane Warren, a longtime client of Chasen, told EW. “I was with her at the Burlesque premiere. I saw her just before she got in her car. It could have been any of us.”

Warren continued:

“This is just f—ing insane. I don’t want to use the word ‘was’ with her. She’s a great person. Probably the most loved person in this town. She’s the best there is. Who would want to hurt her? Nobody would want to hurt her. Did someone follow her from [the premiere]? Did they want to steal her car? It’s utterly senseless. I hope [the police] find some answers, but it still won’t bring her back.”

Police have not disclosed whether the incident is believed to have been random, or if they think Chasen was specifically targeted.