Encino, California – A well-known television music executive and her husband were found shot to death inside their multimillion-dollar home in Encino, California, in a chilling case that has stunned both the entertainment industry and the local community.
Robin Kaye, a veteran music supervisor who worked extensively on American Idol, and her husband, musician Thomas DeLuca, were discovered deceased on July 14 following a welfare check requested by concerned friends who had not heard from the couple in several days.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers arrived at the couple’s home in the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue and found both victims in separate rooms with fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators believe the killings occurred days earlier, on or around July 10.
Arrest Made in Double Homicide
On July 16, LAPD detectives, in coordination with the FBI Fugitive Task Force, arrested Raymond Boodarian, a 22-year-old man from Reseda. Authorities say Boodarian entered the Kaye-DeLuca residence through an unlocked door. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence place him at the scene.
Detectives believe the couple returned home unexpectedly, interrupting Boodarian inside the house. Investigators say the confrontation quickly escalated into a deadly encounter. The suspect is now in custody and expected to face two counts of murder.
So far, there is no confirmed connection between Boodarian and the victims. A motive has not yet been publicly identified, though officials suggest the killings may have been the result of a burglary gone wrong.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
In a twist that has raised concerns, LAPD officers reportedly responded to a call about a possible break-in at the home on July 10—four days before the bodies were discovered—but did not enter the residence, citing no visible signs of forced entry. That initial response is now under review.
“The home had high walls, cameras, and no evidence of a forced break-in from the street,” said LAPD Lt. Guy Golan. “We are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident, including our response protocol.”
An Industry Mourn
Robin Kaye, 70, was a beloved fixture in the television music world. Best known for her work as a music supervisor on American Idol from 2009 to 2023, she played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the iconic talent competition. Her career also included credits on Lip Sync Battle, The Singing Bee, and various awards shows, pageants, and films.
She founded the music consulting firm SyncroniCity and worked with major artists including Andrea Bocelli, Kenny Loggins, and Barry Manilow.
Her husband, Thomas DeLuca, also 70, was a musician and songwriter whose most recent work included a 2022 album titled Street Rock.
In a statement, producers of American Idol expressed their devastation:
“Robin was not only an extraordinary talent and consummate professional, she was part of our family. Her contributions to American Idol and to the industry at large are immeasurable. She will be deeply missed.”
What Comes Next
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining whether anything was stolen from the home and continuing to gather digital and physical evidence. Boodarian remains in custody and will face formal charges in the coming days.
As the music and television community reels from the loss, tributes continue to pour in for Kaye and DeLuca, remembered not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their warmth, generosity, and dedication to the arts.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Unit at (818) 374-9550 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
