Motive in Slaying Remains Unclear : Shooting: Victim Benita Mikailian, 40, is described as a successful, hard-working travel agent.

Friends and business acquaintances remained shocked and mystified Friday at the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old travel agent, whose body was found in her North Brand Boulevard office Thursday morning.

Those who knew the victim, Benita Mikailian, said she frequently kept late hours at her agency, Benita’s Travel Town, at 1110 N. Brand Boulevard. The business thrived, and Mikailian entertained a circle of well-heeled friends at her exclusive Park Towers condominium on Pioneer Drive, just blocks from her office.

“She was a serious businesswoman,” said Joe Ayvazi, an agent with the Fred Sands Broadway Realtors office located downstairs from the travel agency. “It seemed like she had a really successful operation.”

Glendale Police Department investigators were mum Friday on details of the homicide, but a resident at her building said they visited Mikailian’s condominium and took photographs. She had lived in a first-floor unit of the 18-story building for about four years, according to real estate records.

Acquaintances said she lived alone in the two-bedroom unit and could not recall mention of any relatives.

Mikailian’s body was discovered in her second-floor office by an employee reporting to work at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, according to police. They would not comment on a motive for the shooting.

“From what I heard, apparently nothing was stolen,” said Ayvazi. “She had a gold Rolex watch on, and jewelry, but nothing was touched.”

Investigators said Mikailian probably was killed after 8 p.m. Wednesday. Employees at the real estate agency said she often worked until 9 or 10 p.m., but would lock the door of her office after 5 p.m.