BREAKING: 21-Minute Silence in Robin Kaye Case Explained — Police Reveal She Was Locked in Panic Room with Phone Jammed

Los Angeles, CA — July 18, 2025 — The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has unveiled a critical piece of the puzzle in the double homicide investigation of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca. A previously unexplained 21-minute gap in the timeline of their murders on July 10, 2025, has been clarified: Kaye was locked inside a panic room in their Encino home, with her phone rendered inoperable by a signal-jamming device. This revelation, combined with earlier findings of a tampered security system, a stolen keycard, and an untraceable VoIP phone call, points to a chillingly calculated attack that has left the entertainment industry reeling and raised urgent concerns about the safety of high-profile individuals.

The Tragic Scene and Timeline

On July 14, 2025, LAPD officers responded to a welfare check at the couple’s $4.5 million residence in the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue, Encino, prompted by a friend who had not heard from Kaye or Deluca for several days. Blood at the front entrance led officers to break a back window to gain entry, where they found Robin Kaye, 70, in the pantry and Thomas Deluca, 70, in the bathroom, both dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Paramedics pronounced them deceased at the scene.

The suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, an Encino resident with no known prior connection to the victims, was arrested on July 15 and charged on July 17 with two counts of murder, residential burglary with a person present, and firearm allegations. His arraignment is scheduled for August 20, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office considering the death penalty. The investigation has uncovered a series of security breaches, including a stolen keycard traced to a former assistant, a malicious software update to the home’s security system, and a 17-second phone call from Kaye to an untraceable VoIP line linked to prior threats. The latest revelation about the panic room explains a critical gap in the timeline of the crime.

The Panic Room Ordeal

According to LAPD Lieutenant Guy Golan, a 21-minute period of silence in the sequence of events on July 10 had puzzled investigators, as it conflicted with surveillance footage and forensic evidence. The mystery was solved through analysis of the home’s security logs and a recovered signal-jamming device found at Boodarian’s residence. Kaye, likely aware of an intruder, activated the panic room in the home’s master suite around 3:45 p.m., moments after returning home with Deluca. The panic room, a fortified safe space equipped with reinforced walls and a separate ventilation system, was designed to protect occupants from intruders.

However, Boodarian’s use of a signal-jamming device blocked Kaye’s phone from connecting to cellular or Wi-Fi networks, rendering her unable to call for help beyond the 17-second VoIP call placed just before entering the panic room. The call, previously reported as untraceable and linked to two prior threats, was likely an attempt to contact authorities or a trusted contact, but the jamming device cut off communication. Security logs indicate the panic room’s door was manually overridden, possibly using the stolen keycard, allowing Boodarian to access Kaye after approximately 21 minutes. A violent confrontation ensued, resulting in the couple’s deaths.

The signal-jamming device, a compact piece of equipment capable of disrupting signals within a 50-foot radius, was recovered during a search of Boodarian’s Reseda apartment. Forensic analysis confirmed it was active during the time of the murders, explaining why no additional calls or alerts were sent from Kaye’s phone. The use of such a device suggests a level of premeditation and technical sophistication, prompting investigators to explore whether Boodarian acted alone or with assistance.

A Web of Security Breaches

The panic room revelation follows earlier discoveries of a compromised security system and a stolen keycard. On July 4, six days before the murders, a malicious software update disabled critical features of the couple’s advanced security system, including motion sensors and real-time alerts. The update, disguised as a routine patch, was likely delivered through a phishing email or a compromised vendor account. Additionally, a keycard stolen by a former assistant of Kaye’s allowed Boodarian to enter the home undetected through an unlocked side door.

Surveillance footage shows Boodarian entering the property at approximately 3:15 p.m. on July 10, about 30 minutes before Kaye and Deluca returned. The tampered security system failed to alert the couple or authorities, and the stolen keycard bypassed the gated entrance. Two 911 calls from neighbors reporting a possible burglary—one citing a figure hopping the fence—went unanswered due to the lack of visible forced entry and the property’s fortifications. Boodarian fled on foot after the murders, locking the door behind him, which delayed the discovery of the bodies until the welfare check four days later.

Boodarian’s history includes 2024 arrests for misdemeanor battery and criminal threats, with charges dropped after a judge deemed him mentally incompetent. Neighbors described frequent disturbances at his apartment, including loud arguments and police visits. A handgun recovered from his residence is undergoing forensic testing to determine if it was the murder weapon.

Robin Kaye’s Legacy in Music

Robin Kaye was a towering figure in music supervision, contributing to over 288 episodes of American Idol from 2002 to 2023. Her work earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, including a 2014 award for best music supervision in reality television. Beginning her career in Nashville with Waylon Jennings and MTM Records, she later worked at MCA-Universal and PolyGram Records before founding SyncroniCity in 2000, representing artists like Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins. Her credits also include Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, and the NAACP Image Awards.

The American Idol community has been devastated by her loss. A spokesperson stated, “Robin was a cornerstone of the Idol family, loved and respected by all.” Former contestants like Jordin Sparks and David Cook praised her mentorship, crediting her with shaping their careers. Thomas Deluca, a songwriter and musician who released his album Street Rock in 2022, was described by neighbors as a warm and creative partner to Kaye.

Broader Implications and Community Response

The murders have shaken Encino, a neighborhood known for its affluence and safety. The couple’s home, previously owned by rapper Juice WRLD, was equipped with advanced security measures, yet a combination of tampered software, a stolen keycard, and a signal-jamming device exposed its vulnerabilities. A May 2025 break-in attempt had prompted Kaye to consult security expert Kris Herzog, who recommended non-lethal defenses like pepper ball guns, but these were not implemented.

The use of a signal-jamming device has heightened concerns about the vulnerabilities of smart home systems and personal safety for high-profile individuals. Cybersecurity experts warn that such devices, available on the dark web, can easily disrupt modern security protocols. The entertainment industry is reevaluating protections for sensitive access tools and employee vetting processes, particularly after the involvement of a former assistant in the keycard theft.

The LAPD is urging anyone with information to contact Operations-Valley Homicide at (818) 374-9550 or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Investigators are working with the FBI to trace the origins of the VoIP threats, the malicious software update, and the signal-jamming device, exploring whether Boodarian had accomplices. Criticism of the LAPD’s response to the July 10 911 calls has prompted a review of protocols for handling burglary reports at fortified properties.

As the case moves toward Boodarian’s arraignment, the community mourns Kaye and Deluca, remembered as a vibrant couple whose contributions to music endure. The tragedy underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity and vigilance, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in an increasingly connected world.