The Tragic Murder of American Idol’s Robin Kaye: Unverified Rumors and a Community in Mourning

On July 14, 2025, the music and television industries were shaken by the discovery of Robin Kaye, a longtime American Idol music supervisor, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, found shot to death in their $4.5 million Encino, Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the double homicide, believed to have occurred during a burglary on July 10. Amid the tragedy, rumors have surfaced about a strange car circling the couple’s block six times before disappearing, with its license plate allegedly linked to an unlikely person. However, no credible reports substantiate this claim. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on Kaye’s remarkable career, the circumstances of the crime, and the community’s grief.

The Double Homicide in Encino

The 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., spotting blood at the front entrance. After breaking a window to enter, they found 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 took place on July 10, when Boodarian allegedly entered the home through an unlocked door. Surveillance footage showed him inside for approximately 30 minutes before the couple returned, leading to a violent confrontation. The LAPD identified Boodarian using facial recognition and forensic evidence, though specifics like shoe prints or vehicle involvement remain undisclosed. He was arrested without incident at his Encino residence on July 15. A handgun recovered from his home is being tested as a potential murder weapon, but no motive has been confirmed, and the home showed no signs of being ransacked.

A prior incident on July 10 adds context: a neighbor reported seeing someone hop the fence, prompting a 911 call. Police responded but found no signs of forced entry and couldn’t access the property’s high-security walls and gates. A helicopter flyover revealed no obvious issues. Authorities now believe this was Boodarian’s initial entry, but there’s no mention of a car circling the block or license plate details in official reports.

The Unverified Car Rumor

Speculation about a strange car circling Kaye’s block six times before disappearing, with its license plate linked to an “unlikely person,” has not been corroborated by any major news outlet or police statements. The sources focus on the burglary call and surveillance footage, with no reference to a vehicle’s repeated circling or an unusual license plate owner. Neighbor Amee Faggen confirmed her renter saw someone hop the fence on July 10, but no reports mention a car or its driver. The absence of such details suggests this may be an unverified rumor, possibly fueled by the community’s shock and heightened vigilance following the tragedy. Spreading unconfirmed claims risks overshadowing the investigation and the victims’ legacies.

Robin Kaye’s Impact on American Idol

Robin Kaye was a pivotal figure in American Idol’s success, serving as music supervisor for over 15 seasons, from 2009 to 2023, across nearly 300 episodes. Her role involved clearing songs for performances, a complex task she executed with finesse. Notably, she secured rights for Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” for Adam Lambert’s iconic Season 8 performance, a feat that highlighted her industry influence. Kaye’s career began in Nashville with Waylon Jennings, followed by roles at MTM Records, Universal Records, and PolyGram Records. In 2000, she founded SyncroniCity, initially 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.

Her work earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, including one in 2014 for reality television. Colleagues and contestants praised her dedication and kindness. Phil Gurin, President of The Gurin Company, called her “simply the best,” noting her ability to secure deals and overcome obstacles with a positive attitude. Former Idol contestant Colton Dixon described her as a “highlight” of his experience, emphasizing her advocacy for artists. Scott MacIntyre, a blind contestant from Season 8, credited her for accommodating his unique needs, ensuring he could perform effectively.

Thomas Deluca’s Musical Contributions

Thomas Deluca, a musician and songwriter, complemented Kaye’s legacy. His 1986 album Down to the Wire was released by Epic Records, and he wrote songs for artists like Kid Rock and Meredith Brooks. His 2022 album Street Rock reflected his enduring passion for music, with Deluca noting the personal significance of its tracks.

A Community Shaken

The Encino neighborhood, known for its affluence, has been rattled by the slayings, especially given prior incidents at the couple’s home. Mauro Quintero, their pool cleaner, noted a break-in attempt six weeks earlier, and Kaye had recently contacted a security firm, The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, over safety concerns but didn’t hire them. Neighbors described Boodarian’s history of disturbing behavior, with one recalling “episodes” involving loud disturbances and property damage at his residence. Another neighbor mentioned frequent police visits due to his alleged mental health issues, though charges from prior arrests in 2024 were dropped due to mental competency concerns.

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 underscored the couple’s warmth, with Naomi Sadoun describing them as “lovely people” who walked their dog together.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Response

The LAPD is investigating why the couple wasn’t found earlier, given the July 10 burglary call, and whether officers acted appropriately. They’re also exploring any prior interactions between Boodarian and the couple, including a theory that he may have visited the home as a service worker, though this remains unconfirmed. The killings appear random, with no evidence linking Boodarian to local burglary rings.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD’s Valley Homicide Division at (818) 374-9550 or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. As the investigation continues, the music community honors Kaye and Deluca’s contributions, grappling with the senseless violence that claimed their lives. Their legacies, marked by creativity and kindness, endure amidst the sorrow.