Suspect Arrested in Shocking Double Murder of ‘American Idol’ Music Supervisor Robin Kaye and Husband Thomas DeLuca in Encino
ENCINO, LOS ANGELES — July 15, 2025 — A devastating tragedy has unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Encino, where longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas DeLuca, were found brutally murdered inside their multi-million-dollar home. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the fatal shootings, marking a grim development in a case that has rocked the entertainment industry and local community alike.
The Shocking Discovery
On Monday afternoon, July 15, LAPD officers responded to a welfare check request at the couple’s residence on White Oak Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Forced entry was made through a rear window, leading officers to the horrific discovery: Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca were each found shot in the head in separate rooms of their $4.5 million home. Paramedics pronounced both victims dead at the scene, leaving a somber cloud over Encino.
Despite the couple’s substantial investment in security measures — including eight-foot-high perimeter walls topped with spikes, multiple surveillance cameras, and other advanced protections — the suspect had managed to gain entry. The breach has raised serious questions about home security and vulnerability even in well-protected residences.
Arrest and Suspect Background
Shortly after the grim discovery, law enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated operation involving the LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division, the Gang and Narcotics Division, and the FBI Fugitive Task Force, which resulted in the arrest of Raymond Boodarian. The 22-year-old was taken into custody without incident and booked on suspicion of murder under California Penal Code 187.
Investigators revealed that Boodarian had no prior personal connection to the victims and entered the home days earlier on July 10 through an unlocked entry point, intending to burglarize the property. Surveillance footage shows him inside the residence for approximately 30 minutes before the victims unexpectedly returned home, leading to a confrontation that ended in fatal shootings.
Police confirmed that Boodarian acted alone, with no evidence of accomplices or ties to organized burglary rings. Though he has a criminal record, his history does not include previous burglary offenses, leaving investigators to probe his motives and mental state in greater detail.
Prior Suspicious Activity and Community Impact
This was not the first time the couple’s home had been targeted. Police records indicate that officers received two calls on July 10 reporting suspicious activity at the property, including an individual seen jumping the fence possibly armed. However, responding officers were unable to enter the heavily fortified home, and no visible signs of forced entry were observed during a helicopter flyover. Consequently, no arrests were made at the time.
Neighbors also reported an attempted intrusion about a month earlier, which was thwarted by the vigilant dogs belonging to the couple. Such incidents have heightened concerns about safety in the neighborhood and highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating potential threats on properties with advanced security features.
Remembering Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca
Robin Kaye was a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment world. Since 2009, she served as a music supervisor for American Idol, contributing to over 200 episodes and earning multiple accolades, including recognition from the Guild of Music Supervisors for her excellence in music direction for reality television. Her passion for music and dedication to her craft earned her widespread admiration among colleagues and artists alike.
Her husband, Thomas DeLuca, was a private individual not widely known to the public but was cherished by friends and family. Together, the couple was known for their kindness, community involvement, and generosity.
In a heartfelt statement released Tuesday, American Idol expressed their deep sorrow:
“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.”
Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Information
The LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide Division continues to lead the investigation, piecing together the full circumstances surrounding the murders. Authorities are exploring all angles, including the suspect’s background, potential motives, and how the security breach occurred despite the home’s fortified defenses.
At this stage, formal charges have not been filed, and court dates or bail conditions have not been announced. The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Tips can be submitted confidentially via Crime Stoppers or directly to the LAPD Homicide Division. Community members and friends alike have expressed hope that justice will soon be served for Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic loss of Robin and Thomas has sent ripples throughout Los Angeles, the entertainment industry, and the Encino community. Friends, colleagues, and neighbors remember the couple as warm, caring, and devoted individuals whose lives were cut cruelly short.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with grief and disbelief while hoping for answers and closure. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of vigilance, even in the safest of places.