What to know about the killings of an 'American Idol' music supervisor and her husband in LA

The Hindu

3 days ago

Los Angeles police officers conducting a welfare check at a gated home on Monday discovered two bodies with gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. A day later, police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the killings.
Here's what to know about the case.
Officials said someone who hadn't heard from Kaye and Deluca in several days requested that police check their residence on a tree-lined block in the upscale Encino neighborhood, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Officers entered the house Monday afternoon and found a man and woman shot to death. Homicide detectives were called to the scene.
The victims were identified on Tuesday as Kaye and Deluca, both aged 70. The couple had purchased the home in the San Fernando Valley suburb for $4.5 million, according to public records.
Raymond Boodarian, 22, an Encino resident, was arrested 'without incident' Tuesday afternoon, police said in a statement.
Investigators believe Boodarian was burglarizing the home several days earlier while the couple was away. Police had been called to the residence on July 10 but found no signs of trouble or forced entry. Now, detectives suspect that Boodarian managed to enter through an unlocked door and was surprised by Kaye and Deluca upon their return.
'The victims returned home while the suspect was inside their residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives,' the police statement said. 'The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.'
Officers interviewed friends and family, reviewed surveillance footage, and recovered unspecified evidence at the scene. The district attorney's office expects to be presented with the case on Thursday, with Boodarian's arraignment to follow. He could not be reached for comment. Messages were sent to the public defender's office to confirm legal representation.
Court records show Boodarian was arrested in 2024 for alleged battery, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize. Charges were later dismissed.
Kaye had worked with American Idol for more than 15 years and was working on the upcoming season at the time of her death. She also contributed to The Singing Bee, Hollywood Game Night, Lip Sync Battle, and several Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
'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,' an American Idol spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. 'Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.'
Her work included clearing rights for thousands of songs for broadcast. In a 2009 interview, Kaye told The Hollywood Reporter how she persuaded Led Zeppelin's representatives to approve the use of Whole Lotta Love for Adam Lambert to perform during Season 8. 'I said, 'This is the time to consider it. If you're ever going to try it, this is the time.' I don't know if Robert Plant knew, but his manager did because his kids were big Adam fans. They watched the show in England,' Kaye said.
Nick Fradiani, the Season 14 American Idol winner, told The Hollywood Reporter that Kaye treated him like a son and called her death a tragedy. 'She was caring and understanding of the stresses of the show, especially with choosing a song. She made each conversation with me feel important,' said Fradiani, who is now starring in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.