The Tragic Double Homicide of American Idol’s Robin Kaye: Suspect Arrested Amid Ongoing Investigation

On July 14, 2025, the entertainment world was stunned by the brutal deaths of Robin Kaye, a revered music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple, both 70, was found shot to death in their $4.5 million Encino, Los Angeles home, in what police have classified as a double homicide. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, a local resident, in connection with the killings, which are believed to have occurred during a burglary on July 10. Rumors have circulated that the suspect was seen near the home for three consecutive nights and that his shoe prints matched unusual details at the crime scene. However, these claims remain unverified by official reports. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the tragic loss of Kaye and Deluca, their contributions to music, and the details surrounding the case.

The Incident and Investigation

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was alerted to the couple’s deaths during a welfare check on July 14, prompted by family members who hadn’t heard from Kaye and Deluca for several days. Officers arrived at the couple’s fortified home on White Oak Avenue around 2:30 p.m., noticing blood at the front entrance. After shattering a window to gain entry, they discovered Kaye in the pantry and Deluca in a bathroom, both with multiple gunshot wounds, including to the head. Paramedics declared them dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the murders occurred on July 10, when Boodarian allegedly entered the home through an unlocked door. Surveillance footage captured him inside the residence for approximately 30 minutes before the couple returned, leading to a fatal confrontation. The LAPD identified Boodarian using facial recognition technology and other forensic evidence, though specific details about the evidence, such as shoe prints, have not been disclosed. Reports of Boodarian lingering around the home for three nights prior to the incident are also unconfirmed, though a neighbor reported a suspicious person hopping the fence on July 10, prompting a police response. Officers found no signs of forced entry at the time and could not access the highly secured property, which features 8-foot walls with spikes and security cameras.

Boodarian, arrested without incident at his Encino residence on July 15, has a criminal history, including charges of battery, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and threatening to commit a crime, though prior charges were dismissed due to mental competency issues. Police believe the attack was random, with no known connection between Boodarian and the victims, and they have found no evidence linking him to burglary rings. A handgun recovered from his home is being tested as a potential murder weapon, but the motive remains unclear, and the home showed no signs of being ransacked.

Unverified Claims and Community Concerns

Speculation about Boodarian’s behavior, including claims that he was seen near the home for three nights and left shoe prints matching unusual details at the scene, has not been substantiated by official sources. A neighbor, Amee Faggen, reported her renter calling 911 on July 10 after seeing someone hop the fence, but there’s no confirmation this was Boodarian or that he was present on multiple nights. Similarly, while forensic evidence aided in his identification, no reports explicitly mention shoe prints or unusual scene details beyond blood at the entrance and surveillance footage. These unverified claims highlight the community’s heightened concern, especially given prior incidents at the property. Mauro Quintero, the couple’s pool cleaner, noted a previous break-in attempt about six weeks earlier, and Kaye had recently contacted a security firm, The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, over safety concerns but did not hire them.

The Encino neighborhood, described as affluent yet recently plagued by crime, has been shaken by the tragedy. Neighbors expressed shock, with one noting frequent police visits to Boodarian’s residence due to disturbances and arguments. Another neighbor, Hanna Masachi, referenced a prior murder in the area, underscoring a perceived decline in safety. The couple’s home, previously a rental property linked to the late rapper Juice WRLD, was known for its high security, making the breach through an unlocked door particularly alarming.

Robin Kaye’s Legacy in Music

Robin Kaye was a cornerstone of American Idol, serving as music supervisor for nearly 300 episodes from 2009 to 2023. Her role involved clearing songs for performances, a task she executed with unparalleled skill, securing rights for iconic tracks like Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” for Adam Lambert’s memorable Season 8 performance. Her career began in Nashville with Waylon Jennings, followed by roles at MTM Records, Universal Records, and PolyGram Records. In 2000, she founded SyncroniCity, representing artists like Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins before focusing on music supervision for shows like Lip Sync Battle, Miss Universe, and the NAACP Image Awards.

Kaye’s impact was profound, earning her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, including one in 2014 for reality television. Former Idol contestants lauded her dedication. Colton Dixon called her a “highlight” of his experience, noting her advocacy for artists, while Scott MacIntyre praised her support for his needs as a blind performer. In a 2017 interview, Kaye described music supervision as an underappreciated yet essential part of entertainment, emphasizing its role in bringing music to film and television.

Thomas Deluca, a musician and songwriter, complemented Kaye’s legacy. His 1986 album Down to the Wire was released by Epic Records, and his 2022 album Street Rock reflected his enduring passion for music.

A Community in Mourning

The American Idol team issued a statement mourning Kaye and Deluca, calling Kaye a “cornerstone of the Idol family” who was “loved and respected by all.” Tributes from colleagues and neighbors highlighted the couple’s warmth and contributions. Neighbor Sadoun told the Daily Mail that Kaye was friendly and proud of her Brooklyn roots, while Quintero described them as “really nice people.”

Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information

The LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division continues to investigate, seeking to clarify the motive and any potential prior interactions between Boodarian and the couple. Authorities are reviewing how police handled the July 10 burglary call, given the property’s fortifications. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD at (818) 374-9550 or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

As the music community grieves, Robin Kaye’s legacy as a trailblazer in music supervision endures. The tragedy underscores the fragility of life and the need for justice in the face of senseless violence.