Nashville music community mourns deaths of ‘American Idol' executive, husband
The couple — identified as Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, both 70 years old — were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on Monday, July 14 after officers responded to the upscale Encino, California, residence for a welfare check around 2:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Authorities said they believe the suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian of Encino, entered the home through an unlocked door. Then, when the homeowners returned, a violent struggle reportedly ensued between the couple and the suspect, resulting in the victims' deaths, before Boodarian ran off.
ORIGINAL STORY | 'American Idol' executive, her husband fatally shot in California home: reports
According to the Associated Press, investigators believe Boodarian was burglarizing the home several days earlier while the couple was away, but even though police were called to the residence on Thursday, July 10, they found no signs of trouble or forced entry.
Among the couple's close friends is Ronnie Brooks, who was in a band with Deluca called The Piggies in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
'Tom and I had played music together, and so I can just say, locally, that we had lots of fans that loved Tom's music, his writing and singing, and what we did as a band, and then Robin, her career really blossomed when they got to L.A.,' Brooks recalled.
PREVIOUS | Arrest made in deadly shooting of 'American Idol' executive, her husband in California
Brooks and Deluca both played the guitar, and that passion for music developed into a close friendship that lasted many years. He considered them family, adding that they always insisted Brooks stay at their home while visiting Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Kaye was an award-winning music producer who had worked on 'American Idol' since 2009, but she had also worked on Miss Universe, the NAACP Image Awards, and other high-profile shows, according to News 2's sister station, KTLA.
'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 into contact with her,' an 'American Idol' spokesperson said in a statement sent to KTLA. 'Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathies with her family and friends during this difficult time.'
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If you have any information that will help with this ongoing double homicide investigation, you're asked to contact LAPD's Valley Homicide Division at 818-374-9550. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.
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