Los Angeles law enforcement has arrested a suspect in connection with the shocking double homicide of long-time “American Idol” music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, singer-songwriter Thomas Deluca. The couple, both 70, were found shot to death in their Encino home on Monday, July 14, 2025, following a welfare check.
The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, also from Encino. He was taken into custody on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Boodarian is believed to have entered the couple’s highly fortified residence on July 10, 2025, several days before their bodies were discovered. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Boodarian scaling an eight-foot fence and entering the home through what appeared to be an unlocked door. He was reportedly inside the residence for approximately 30 minutes before Kaye and Deluca returned home.
LAPD Lieutenant Guy Golan stated that a confrontation ensued upon the couple’s return, which tragically resulted in their deaths. Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to the head. Despite the violent nature of the crime, investigators noted that the house did not appear to have been ransacked, leading to questions about the precise motive behind the slayings. “We’re looking into multiple avenues on what the motive may be,” Lt. Golan told ABC News.
Authorities currently do not believe Boodarian had any prior relationship with Robin Kaye or Thomas Deluca, nor is he suspected in other burglaries in the area. However, ABC News reported that the accused does have a criminal record. Adding to the complexity of the case, the couple’s pool cleaner, Mauro Quintero, informed Hindustan Times that this was not the first time the property had been targeted. More than a month prior, an attempted break-in occurred, which was thwarted when the couple’s dogs began barking, causing the intruders to flee.
The LAPD’s handling of the initial incident on July 10 is also under scrutiny. On that day, police received two calls regarding a possible burglary at the Encino address, with a person seen jumping the fence. Responding officers, however, were unable to enter the heavily fortified home and, after flying a helicopter over the residence, observed no signs of forced entry or immediate trouble, subsequently leaving the scene. Lt. Golan confirmed that the department would review the response to ensure it was handled appropriately.
Robin Kaye was a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry, particularly known for her extensive work as a music supervisor for “American Idol” since 2009, contributing to approximately 300 episodes. Her contributions earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. Beyond “American Idol,” Kaye’s impressive resume included work on popular shows like “Lip Sync Battle” and “Hollywood Game Night,” as well as various Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Thomas Deluca was an accomplished singer-songwriter, with a career that saw him release albums such as “Down to the Wire” in 1986 and “Street Rock” in 2022. He also penned songs for notable artists, including Kid Rock.
A spokesperson for “American Idol” expressed profound sorrow over the couple’s deaths, stating, “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,” as reported by KBTX and Hindustan Times.
The investigation into the tragic deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca remains active as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances and motive behind this senseless crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact Operations-Valley Homicide at (818) 374-9550, or anonymously through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.
