UPDATE (July 15): An arrest has been made in the shocking double homicide of Robin Kaye, a well-respected music supervisor known for her extensive work on American Idol over 15 seasons, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple was tragically found dead in their home located in Encino, California, on Monday, July 14, prompting widespread media attention and community concern.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Billboard that a 22-year-old suspect, Raymond Boodarian, has been arrested in connection with this double murder case. Notably, Boodarian also resided in Encino, which highlights the alarming nature of this incident occurring within a typically quiet suburb of Los Angeles.
During a press conference held by the LAPD on the afternoon of July 15, Lt. Guy Golan provided crucial details about the investigation. He stated that surveillance footage revealed the suspect jumping a fence at the residence of Kaye and Deluca on Thursday, July 10. It appears he remained in their home for approximately 30 minutes before the couple interrupted him. Tragically, a violent confrontation ensued, resulting in the homeowners being “ruthlessly shot multiple times.” However, it was clarified that there was no surveillance footage from inside the house to provide additional insights into the horrific events that unfolded.
Currently, authorities have not identified a clear motive for this heinous act, and it seems to have been a random attack. At this time, no weapon has been recovered. According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, Boodarian was arrested without any resistance, sparking further investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
PREVIOUSLY: The beloved music supervisor Robin Kaye and her spouse Thomas Deluca were found deceased in their Los Angeles residence on Monday, July 14, as detailed in reports from both Deadline and TMZ.
At the age of 70, Kaye and Deluca were discovered lifeless in separate rooms of their home, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities reportedly made this horrifying discovery during a welfare check conducted at the residence on Monday morning, raising serious concerns about safety in the area.
According to TMZ, police gained entry to Kaye’s home by breaking a window after observing blood at the entrance. Remarkably, just four days prior, police had been summoned to the same address to investigate reports of an unidentified intruder attempting to break in, highlighting a troubling pattern of events leading up to this tragic incident.
In a heartfelt statement provided to Billboard, a spokesperson from American Idol expressed, “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing.” The statement emphasized the profound impact Kaye had on the show and the community, remarking that “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.” This sentiment reflects the deep sense of loss felt by colleagues and fans alike during this challenging time.
The statement continued, “Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.” Such expressions of grief underscore the profound legacy Kaye leaves behind, not only in the music industry but also within the hearts of those she touched.
According to her IMDb page, Kaye possessed a wealth of experience in various aspects of the music industry before successfully transitioning into music supervision. Her career began with notable work for Waylon Jennings in Nashville and later at MTM Records, where she served as vice president of artist development and broadcast media. After gaining valuable experience in Chicago, she ultimately relocated to Los Angeles, where she would leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Kaye’s extensive resume includes significant roles in the film and television licensing department at MCA-Universal Records and overseeing music licensing at PolyGram Records. In 2000, she founded her own company, SyncroniCity, which specializes in music supervision for prominent shows such as Idol. Her impressive portfolio also features work on popular programs like Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, NAACP Image Awards, The Singing Bee, Miss USA, Miss Universe, American Inventor, Q’Viva, The Dance Scene, Dance Your Ass Off, Your Chance To Dance, Adventures of Power, and Crashed.
Featuring esteemed judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, Idol concluded its 23rd season in May. Initially premiering in 2002, the show enjoyed a successful run for 15 seasons until it went on hiatus in 2016, captivating audiences with its unique format and talent discovery.
After a two-year hiatus, the series made a triumphant return in 2018, welcoming back Bryan, Richie, and Katy Perry—who has since been replaced by Underwood—into the judging panel. This revival has continued to delight fans and showcase emerging musical talent, ensuring Kaye’s legacy in the show and the industry at large endures.
