'American Idol' Exec, Husband Killings—Police Issue Update on Suspect
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Police have shared new details about the man accused of killing American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
The couple, both 70 years old, were found dead in their Encino, California home on July 14.
Newsweek contacted the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office via email for comment on Wednesday.
The Context
Kaye had been a longtime employee of American Idol and famously obtained permission from Led Zeppelin for contestant Adam Lambert to perform "Whole Lotta Love" in 2009, per The Hollywood Reporter.
"We always were talking about Led Zeppelin because everybody knew that we couldn't do Led Zeppelin," Kaye said at the time. "I think Adam brought it up and I said, 'No, you can't do it.' When we started really seeing how talented Adam was, I had a feeling they would consider him. I couldn't have asked them just in general 'let us do it this year.' They wouldn't have said yes, but it made sense with Adam."
She added: "It's always worth asking. I never take a 'no' from anybody as a permanent 'no.' This business changes too much and situations change."
"American Idol" music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, are seen smiling in a photo together.
"American Idol" music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, are seen smiling in a photo together.
Robin Kaye/Facebook
What To Know
Suspect Raymond Boodarian allegedly used Kaye and Deluca's own gun to shoot them inside their home before calling 911 on his own cellphone, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said, People reported. Even so, it took four days for their bodies to be discovered.
According to a news release, a radio call about a possible burglary was made on July 10 at around 4 p.m. local time. Although "there were no signs of forced entry or trouble," it is believed Boodarian accessed the property through an unlocked door while the couple was at a grocery store. The pair returned home when Boodarian was inside their residence, and a "confrontation ensued," which resulted in their deaths.
Boodarian was arrested on July 15 and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree burglary. Local jail records obtained by Newsweek show a man of the same name and description with previous misdemeanors from 2023 and 2024.
During a public safety meeting hosted by the Encino Neighborhood Council on Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, per NBC News: "Mr. Boodarian got caught because he used his cellphone to contact police concerning the situation, actually identified himself by name. Police were able to ping the cellphone, find out where he lived, go to his residence and arrest him."
He added of the weapon found at the scene: "It was Robyn and Tom's gun. It wasn't [Boodarian's] gun. It was exceptionally tragic."
What People Are Saying
An American Idol spokesperson previously said in a statement to Newsweek: "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."
Former American Idol judge Randy Jackson wrote on Instagram on July 16: "Rest in peace, Robin. She was a dear friend to me and to so many—judges, executives, contestants, publishers, writers, producers, and artists alike. Robin consistently went the extra mile, meticulously ensuring songs were placed and cleared for the show. She was truly one of a kind. Forever loved and deeply appreciated."
What Happens Next
Boodarian is currently being held without bail, and his next court hearing is set for August 20.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
9 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Shopper Hovered Over by Multiple Sephora Employees Sparks Internet Debate: "Opened My Eyes"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A shopper has turned to Reddit to complain about a recent uncomfortable experience at a Sephora in Ottawa. The shopper and original poster (OP), user Responsible_Meat3959, recounted the incident on Reddit, explaining that a Sephora employee had approached them as soon as she and her friend had entered the store. Despite the pair telling the employee they were just browsing, two more Sephora employees came and asked whether they needed any help. "Both times, I said I was just browsing," she noted. "The third employee handed me a basket, even though I had absolutely nothing on me." Stock image of a young woman shopping in a cosmetic store. Stock image of a young woman shopping in a cosmetic store. kitzcorner/iStock/Getty Images Plus After being approached by a further two employees, the OP finally said that she was curious about a blush. "She showed me and then proceeded to stand there as I looked at them hovering over me," the OP recounted. "She then point-blank asked me if I was going to put it in the basket, and I said I wasn't going to be making the purchase because I didn't know it was a cream blush. "This girl was literally guarding me, and it was made so incredibly obvious that they thought I was going to steal. "By the time my friend finally got her birthday gift, the girl was still hovering right behind me as I was crouching down [looking at the] blushes, so I quietly just stood up and walked out of the store and didn't say anything." More than 300 Reddit users flocked to the comments to weigh in, with one writing, "I counted once and I was asked 10 times if I needed assistance. Wild. And annoying af. "And yet, it's grubby everywhere, things are out of stock on the shelves... It makes zero sense." Another added, "The shopping experience at Sephora is super uncomfortable in general. I try my best not to walk in there." "These stories make me feel better about being stalked in the store," one Redditor joked. "I thought maybe I looked shady somehow, but they must do this to everyone." 'I thought I was being watched for something bad' Reflecting on her experience and the response in a message to Newsweek, the OP explained, "I think I learned a lot through the post about how a lot of business and retail companies are promoting a more aggressive approach for sales, almost to the point of pressure culture. "At first, I thought I was being targeted for assumed shoplifting, but I guess employees are encouraged to take on a more assertive approach. "This not only puts pressure on employees but also sends mixed signals to consumers about the intentions of the service. "At first, I thought I was being watched for something bad, turns out it was likely because I was just empty-handed." Sephora Making Headlines This isn't the first time Sephora employees' behavior has come under fire online. In a formal complaint posted on Sephora's community site, a customer described a staff member at a different location publicly accusing her sister, who has a mental health condition, of stealing. The family alleged the Sephora employee was "rude, aggressive, and blatantly racist", and said the incident was "emotionally traumatic" and "completely unnecessary". Sephora's approach to customer service as a deterrent against theft may contribute to the behavior some shoppers, like the OP, perceive as surveillance. A Deterrent? According to the Umansky Law Firm, Sephora trains employees to provide persistent customer service as a strategy to prevent shoplifting. "If you have ever shopped at Sephora, you might have felt as if you did not have a moment to yourself to browse their products," the firm explains on its site, noting that these tactics are designed to reduce retail theft without physical confrontation. The firm also outlines that while staff may observe and report, they must "keep a constant uninterrupted eye" on a suspect before taking action, otherwise the store risks lawsuits for false imprisonment. As the OP later clarified, "My issue is with the marketing strategy itself because I shouldn't be made to feel like I am being watched for shoplifting, and this is the direct fault of the marketing strategy, which regardless is not OK and is 100% hurting business." Newsweek has contacted Sephora for comment. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Newsweek
9 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Mom Wakes Up at 5:30AM, Unprepared for Who's by Her Bed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A U.K. mom was fast asleep when she heard a mysterious munching sound coming from her bedside. Kenzie (@kenziecleankids2) posted a clip on TikTok of her bed covers, lit up by her phone camera in the early hours of the morning. "I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to a loud noise—I thought it was an animal at first," Kenzie told Newsweek. Kenzie's white bedsheets are lit up by her cellphone camera in the early hours of the morning. Kenzie's white bedsheets are lit up by her cellphone camera in the early hours of the morning. @kenziecleankids2 But when Kenzie pans the camera, the real culprit is revealed: her almost-3-year-old daughter, Ava Mae, casually sitting beside the bed, chomping loudly on a bag of Butterkist popcorn while watching her iPad. "I was so shocked to see her down by the side of my bed; she was just loving life," Kenzie said. The mom, from the southwest of England, asked her daughter, "What are you doing?" Ava Mae, however, was completely unbothered and carried on eating her popcorn. "She's the most-sassy little person, with the funniest personality," Kenzie added. Kenzie's clip clocked up more than 2.7 million views and almost 1,100 comments. Many other parents found the moment of toddler mischief relatable. "My son came into me one morning eating a cinnamon donut and had another in his hand ready to eat next," one user wrote. "My son did the same thing at her age. Got himself some cereal. Got his iPad. Sat down next to my bed and was crunching away. Then he got mad at me when I was like, 'Um, what are you doing?' He was clearly eating," another commented. "Poor kid's only at the cinema watching her movie leave her be," a third user posted. But Ava Mae's early-morning snack stash left some users concerned, pointing out that popcorn is considered a choking hazard for young children, especially those under 4 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that popcorn is one of several foods, along with grapes, hot dogs, and nuts, that pose a choking risk due to the shape and texture. Parents are generally advised to avoid giving popcorn to toddlers until they are developmentally ready to chew it thoroughly. Kenzie, aware of the concern, told Newsweek thatshe took the popcorn away soon after the video was filmed. "Me, my 4-year-old old son and [Ava Mae] just started laughing. I did take them away from her as she had eaten half the bag already," the mom added. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details, and they could appear on our website.
Newsweek
39 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Royal Caribbean Crew Member Stabs Colleague, Jumps Overboard: Police
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Royal Caribbean cruise crew member died after allegedly stabbing a fellow employee multiple times and jumping overboard, according to police. Newsweek has contacted Royal Caribbean and Royal Bahamas Police Force for comment via email. Why It Matters Earlier media reports had said a crew member simply "fell" overboard and was recovered by the cruise ship, the world's largest. The incident raises fresh concerns about safety and security protocols on cruise vessels, particularly those with thousands of passengers and crew at sea. What To Know The Icon of the Seas was near San Salvador Island Thursday when, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, a 35-year-old South African man allegedly attacked a 28-year-old South African woman, stabbing her multiple times, according to Royal Bahamas Police. Both are believed to have been crew members. The man fled the scene by jumping overboard and was later pulled from the water unresponsive, said police. Medical personnel on the ship pronounced him dead. Fireworks explode as Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, sails out of PortMiami for its first public cruise, as seen from Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Fireworks explode as Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, sails out of PortMiami for its first public cruise, as seen from Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Rebecca Blackwell/AP The woman sustained several stab wounds to her upper body and was airlifted to a Miami hospital. Police said she was in a stable condition and her injuries are not thought to be life threatening. Royal Caribbean has not released the names of the crew members involved in the incident or offered any explanation for the motive behind the stabbing. However, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told NBC News the incident was "a personal dispute," but did not provide any further details. Authorities say the case remains under investigation, and an autopsy is pending. The Icon of the Seas—said to have a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers—had left PortMiami on July 19 for a weeklong voyage through the eastern Caribbean, with stops in St. Thomas and Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. According to the tracking site Cruise Mapper, the ship is expected to return to Miami at 6 a.m. on July 26. The incident comes just weeks after a father leaped from a Disney cruise ship to rescue his 5-year-old daughter who had fallen overboard while the vessel was sailing between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale. Both survived. What People Are Saying Royal Caribbean said in a statement to CBS News: "Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share." What Happens Next An autopsy to determine the man's exact cause of death is pending, according to police.
