Unsolved LA: Killer remains free 12 years after beloved Hollywood executive was murdered in North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Nearly 12 years after the killing of entertainment executive Suren "Chris" Donoyan, Los Angeles police and his loved ones are renewing their plea for information in a case that investigators say remains without a known motive, suspect or viable lead.

Donoyan, known professionally and personally as Chris, built a long career in Hollywood, moving from selling equipment used by film and television studios to managing on-camera talent. Friends and family described him as a beloved figure whose life was cut short just before Thanksgiving 2014.

Kevin Kirby, who met Donoyan in high school, said their friendship lasted decades.

"He was my best friend," Kevin said.

The two remained close throughout their lives, traveling together and sharing major milestones.

"He was the best man at my wedding," Kevin said.

Donoyan, who had no children of his own, also developed a close relationship with Kevin's daughter, Hannah.

"He was part of our family. He was a second dad. I called him Uncle Chris," Hannah Kirby said.

On Nov. 25, 2014, family and friends learned that Donoyan had been killed inside his upscale apartment in a North Hollywood complex.

"He was shot at close range in the back of the head, and it was almost like a hit style," LAPD homicide Detective Gabriel Bucknell said.

Bucknell recently took over the investigation and is determined to finally crack it.

"This case is unusual because the victim was found in his apartment with the door locked, with valuables inside that were not touched," Bucknell said.

According to investigators, the apartment had not been ransacked. Valuables, including Emmy awards, a guitar, a Rolex, $20,000 in cash and gold bars, were left behind.

Detectives said neighbors did not hear the fatal gunshot. Family members became concerned when Donoyan stopped returning calls.

His brother, Raffi Donoyan, said the killing remains difficult to understand.

"It doesn't make sense. This man had no enemies. None. It's not even feasible," Raffi said.

For those closest to Donoyan, the lingering uncertainty has been among the most painful aspects of the case.

"It was hard to swallow it and to believe it," Kevin said. "This person came in and murdered him on purpose, with the sole intent of killing him. And that's the hard part. We don't know who, and we don't know why."

Despite years of investigation, Bucknell said 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.

When asked whether that was frustrating, Bucknell replied, "It is."

As another Thanksgiving approaches without Donoyan, his family and friends continue searching for answers.

"We want to know what happened. Why? What's behind it?" Raffi said.

Hannah urged anyone with information to come forward.

"Just because he didn't have a wife and children doesn't mean that there's not people who are really shattered by this, so they need to come forward and tell us what they know," she said.

Kevin said those who cared about Donoyan are still waiting for closure.

"Give Chris the justice and us the closure that we all deserve," he said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact LAPD at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or 1-877-527-3247.