Hollywood exec murder unsolved after 12 years

Twelve years have passed since the death of entertainment executive Suren "Chris" Donoyan, yet Los Angeles police report zero viable leads in the homicide case. The victim was found dead in his North Hollywood apartment on November 25, 2014. Investigators recently renewed their public plea for information, citing a complete lack of known motive or suspect.

Detective Gabriel Bucknell, who recently assumed command of the investigation, stated that the case remains at a standstill. "I have no motive, I have no idea who would have killed Chris, and I have no leads at this time," Bucknell said. He noted that the victim was discovered inside a locked apartment with valuables left untouched, a detail that complicates the theory of a burglary.

The financial profile of the scene included $20,000 in cash, gold bars, a Rolex, and several Emmy awards. A guitar was also present in the residence. Bucknell described the entry as unusual because the door was secured and the space had not been ransacked. "This case is unusual because the victim was found in his apartment with the door locked, with valuables inside that were not touched," he said. Neighbors reported hearing no gunshot during the incident.

Donoyan had built a career in Hollywood, transitioning from selling studio equipment to managing on-camera talent. His brother, Raffi Donoyan, emphasized the baffling nature of the crime. "It doesn't make sense. This man had no enemies. None. It's not even feasible," Raffi said. Family members grew concerned when Donoyan stopped answering calls, leading to the discovery of the body.

Detectives noted that Donoyan was shot at close range in the back of the head. Bucknell characterized the wound as resembling a hit style. The absence of children or a spouse in Donoyan's personal life has not limited the circle of those affected. Hannah Kirby, the daughter of Donoyan's high school friend Kevin Kirby, described him as a second father figure. "He was part of our family. He was a second dad. I called him Uncle Chris," Kirby said.

Kevin Kirby, who served as Donoyan's best man, said the friendship spanned decades. "He was my best friend," Kirby said. He urged the public to provide details to investigators. "Give Chris the justice and us the closure that we all deserve," Kirby said. The LAPD is accepting tips at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or 1-877-527-3247.