Tragedy in Encino: American Idol Executive and Husband Found Murdered — Suspect in Custody
ENCINO, CALIFORNIA – July 14, 2025 — A horrifying and deeply unsettling tragedy has rocked the entertainment industry and the quiet neighborhood of Encino, California, as longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye, 56, and her husband Thomas DeLuca, 60, were found brutally murdered in their home. The LAPD confirmed both were fatally shot, their bodies discovered during a welfare check conducted late Sunday evening.
The grim discovery was made after concerned friends and colleagues reported not hearing from the couple for several days. Officers who arrived at the residence on Hayvenhurst Avenue around 8:30 p.m. made entry and located both Kaye and DeLuca deceased in what investigators have described as a “targeted and violent attack.”
Kaye, who had worked as a music supervisor on American Idol for over a decade, was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry — praised for her musical insight, mentorship of young talent, and behind-the-scenes role in shaping some of the most iconic performances on the long-running show. Her husband, Thomas DeLuca, a retired film editor and UCLA lecturer, was equally admired by his peers for his artistic integrity and mentorship in the cinematic arts.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues, artists, and friends who remember the couple as warm, generous, and devoted not only to their crafts but to each other.
Previous Burglary Leads to Breakthrough in Investigation
The investigation took a chilling turn when detectives connected the murders to a reported burglary at the same residence just four days earlier, on July 10. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers had responded to a 911 call from a neighbor who noticed suspicious activity at the Kaye-DeLuca residence. At the time, no suspects were apprehended, and no visible signs of forced entry were reported. However, surveillance footage and forensic evidence gathered during that initial call would later become crucial in identifying a suspect.
Following a swift and intense investigation, LAPD homicide detectives have arrested Raymond Boodarian, a 22-year-old Los Angeles resident. Authorities believe Boodarian may have unlawfully entered the couple’s home during the July 10 incident, either to burglarize or surveil the property. Investigators now suspect he may have returned days later with deadly intent.
Detectives say physical evidence linking Boodarian to both the July 10 burglary and the July 14 double homicide was uncovered at the crime scene. Items taken during the burglary were recovered at a residence tied to the suspect, and ballistic analysis confirmed that the weapon used in the murders matches a firearm found in his possession at the time of arrest.
Motive and Background Under Scrutiny
While the motive remains under investigation, early reports suggest Boodarian may have been acquainted with the couple, or possibly knew of them through a mutual contact. LAPD has not confirmed the nature of the connection but indicated that the killings do not appear to be random.
Neighbors reported seeing a young man loitering in the area in the days following the burglary, though none recognized him. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, said, “We all know Robin and Tom — they were kind, private people. The idea that someone could do something like this to them is just unfathomable.”
Court records reveal Boodarian has a minor criminal history, including prior arrests for trespassing and petty theft. He is now facing two counts of first-degree murder, burglary, and weapons charges. He is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles. An arraignment is scheduled for later this week.
Community and Industry Mourn the Loss
As news of the double homicide spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Former American Idol contestants, producers, and judges took to social media to express their grief and honor Kaye’s legacy.
“Kaye was the soul of the music department,” said one Idol producer. “She cared deeply about every artist that came through our doors and always fought to make sure their voices were heard — both literally and metaphorically.”
Singer and Idol alum David Archuleta wrote, “Robin was one of the kindest souls I ever met during my time on the show. Her smile and warmth were unforgettable. This is absolutely devastating.”
UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television also issued a statement mourning DeLuca’s death, highlighting his “passion for storytelling and generous mentorship that left a lasting impact on hundreds of students.”
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The LAPD has said the investigation is still ongoing and encourages anyone with additional information, particularly related to the July 10 burglary or any interactions with Boodarian, to come forward.
“We are still piecing together the full scope of what led to this terrible act of violence,” said LAPD Homicide Commander Valerie Sims. “We believe there may be others who encountered the suspect before or after the crime and urge them to contact us.”
Remembering Robin and Thomas
Friends are organizing a candlelight vigil in Encino Park later this week to honor Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca. The couple, married for 26 years, were remembered not just as professionals in their fields, but as kind, compassionate individuals who uplifted those around them.
“They were inseparable,” said longtime friend and neighbor Sheila Morton. “You couldn’t think of one without the other. The world feels dimmer without their light.”
A private memorial service is being planned by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the MusicCares Foundation and Film Independent, two causes the couple championed passionately.
As Hollywood reels from this devastating loss, the legacy of Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca endures — not just in the work they created, but in the lives they touched, and in the voices they helped bring to the world.
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