On July 14, 2025, the entertainment industry was rocked by the tragic deaths of Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for the iconic television show American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, a seasoned songwriter and musician. The couple, both aged 70, were found shot to death in their upscale Encino home in Los Angeles during a police welfare check. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Raymond Boodarian, in connection with the double homicide, which investigators believe occurred during a confrontation following a burglary attempt. This article delves into the details of the incident, the lives and legacies of Kaye and Deluca, the ongoing investigation, and the profound impact their deaths have had on the American Idol community and beyond.

The Incident: A Double Homicide in Encino

The LAPD responded to a welfare check request at the couple’s $4.5 million residence on White Oak Avenue in Encino around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, after friends and family reported not hearing from Kaye and Deluca for several days. Upon arrival, officers noticed blood at the front entrance and shattered a window to gain entry. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, each in separate rooms—Kaye in the pantry and Deluca in a bathroom—both having suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including to the head. Fire Department paramedics pronounced them dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that the killings likely occurred on July 10, 2025, following a prior police call to the same address at around 4 p.m. that day, reporting a possible burglary suspect. A neighbor, Amee Faggen, told ABC7 that her renter had called 911 after spotting someone climbing the property’s fence, but police found no signs of forced entry or trouble during their initial response, as the home was heavily fortified with walls and security cameras. Surveillance footage later reviewed by detectives revealed that the suspect, identified as Raymond Boodarian, had entered the home through an unlocked door and was inside for approximately 30 minutes before the couple returned, leading to a violent confrontation.

The LAPD arrested Boodarian, a 22-year-old Encino resident, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, without incident. Authorities are still working to determine whether he had any prior connection to the victims, and the motive remains unclear. The murder weapon has not yet been recovered, and the home showed no signs of being ransacked, leaving uncertainty about whether anything was stolen. The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with information to contact Operations-Valley Homicide at (818) 374-9550 or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Robin Kaye: A Pillar of the American Idol Family

Robin Kaye was a revered figure in the music and television industry, known for her extensive work as a music supervisor on American Idol since 2009. Over her 15-year tenure, she contributed to nearly 300 episodes, clearing music rights and shaping many of the show’s most memorable performances. Her work earned her multiple accolades, including the Guild of Music Supervisors Award for Best Music Supervision in Reality Television in 2014. Kaye’s career began in Nashville, working with country legend Waylon Jennings, and progressed through roles at MTM Records, Universal Records, and PolyGram Records before she founded her own company, SyncroniCity, in 2000. Through SyncroniCity, she represented artists like Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins and later focused on music supervision for shows like Lip Sync Battle, The Singing Bee, Hollywood Game Night, and various Miss Universe and NAACP Image Awards ceremonies.

Kaye’s impact on American Idol was profound, with colleagues and contestants alike praising her dedication and warmth. In a statement to CNN, an American Idol spokesperson said, “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever, and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.” Former contestants, including Season 11 finalist Colton Dixon, expressed their grief, with Dixon telling The Hollywood Reporter, “Though I shouldn’t play favorites, Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted.” Season 10 contestant Casey Abrams and Season 8’s Scott MacIntyre also shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing Kaye’s supportive nature and professionalism.

Thomas Deluca: A Musician’s Legacy

Thomas Deluca, Kaye’s husband, was a talented songwriter and musician whose career spanned decades. His debut album, Down to the Wire, released by Epic Records in 1986, was described as an “acclaimed cult favorite,” and his final album, Street Rock, was released in 2022. Deluca wrote songs for notable artists, including Kid Rock, Molly Hatchet, and Meredith Brooks, leaving a lasting mark on the music industry. Described as a kind and creative individual, Deluca was a beloved figure in Los Angeles’ music scene, and his loss has been deeply felt by those who knew him.

The couple’s Encino home, previously owned by the late rapper Juice WRLD, was a hub for their creative endeavors. Neighbors described Kaye and Deluca as “really nice people,” with their pool cleaner, Mauro Quintero, noting to ABC7 that Deluca had mentioned a prior break-in attempt by masked intruders, prompting him to fortify the property further. Tragically, these measures were not enough to prevent the fatal incident.

Community and Industry Response

The deaths of Kaye and Deluca have sent shockwaves through the Encino community and the entertainment industry. Neighbors expressed disbelief, with one telling ABC7, “We didn’t hear anything,” and another, Hanna Masachi, lamenting to Fox Los Angeles, “This is not right, it’s unbelievable.” The tragedy follows another recent murder in the area, heightening local concerns about safety. Phil Gurin, president of The Gurin Company and a longtime collaborator, told Deadline, “Robin was simply the best… She was a most trusted, valued, and important part of our team—able to get the most amazing deals for us, overcoming the most incredible obstacles and always with a positive attitude and infectious spirit.”

The American Idol community has been particularly hard-hit, with tributes pouring in from contestants and colleagues. Music producer Lee Newman described Kaye as the “foundation” of the show, while security expert Guy Cohen, who consulted with the couple months earlier after a prior home invasion, expressed heartbreak to KTLA, saying, “To think that maybe we could’ve prevented this from happening is just heartbreaking.”

Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions

While Boodarian’s arrest marks a significant development, many questions remain unanswered. The LAPD has not confirmed a motive, and it is unclear whether the suspect specifically targeted Kaye and Deluca or if the incident was a random act of violence. The lack of forced entry and the absence of evidence suggesting the home was ransacked have fueled speculation about the circumstances leading to the confrontation. A prior break-in attempt reported on July 10, coupled with Kaye’s recent contact with a security company over safety concerns, suggests the couple may have been aware of potential risks.

The case has also highlighted broader issues of crime in Los Angeles, with CBS News noting that the LAPD responded to multiple burglary calls in the West Valley district in early July, including three consecutive days from July 9 to 11. The community’s sense of security has been shaken, with neighbors like Tim Pingel telling ABC7 that police may not have acted decisively enough during the initial burglary call, raising concerns about response protocols.

Conclusion

The murders of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca represent a profound loss for the American Idol community, the music industry, and their loved ones. Kaye’s contributions to television music supervision and Deluca’s songwriting legacy leave an indelible mark, and their tragic deaths underscore the fragility of life, even in seemingly secure environments. As the LAPD continues its investigation, the focus remains on seeking justice for the couple and understanding the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence. The outpouring of grief from colleagues, contestants, and neighbors reflects the deep respect and affection Kaye and Deluca inspired, ensuring their memories will endure in the hearts of many.