The Melrose Place spoiler reported weeks ago is true:

Sydney will be found dead within the first few minutes of this rebooted show's pilot episode.

However, producer Darren Swimmer said at today's series press conference that this storyline will actually be wrapped up over early in season one. The murder will be solved, but Laura Leighton will continue to show up in various flashbacks and:

“There will still be a lot of mystery and suspense."

D'uh! It is Melrose Place, after all.

As for the special guest star fans hope makes a triumphant return?

“The door is always open for Heather Locklear,” said executive producer Todd Slavkin. “We have a great way for her to [join] the show.”

Might it involve her former lover, Jake? Grant Show now says he's open to an appearance.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.