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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
American Idol executive and husband shot dead in LA; 22-year-old suspect arrested
Longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found dead at their LA home on Monday. The couple were reportedly murdered in an apparent double homicide, according to NBC News. Both were 70 years old, and they were shot dead in separate rooms, reportedly at the same time. On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested a 22-year-old suspect in the case, Raymond Boodarian. The case is currently under investigation. According to reports, police were informed about the situation by locals after someone close to the couple requested a welfare check. The authorities arrived around 2:30 p.m. at their Encino residence. When officers got there, they noticed blood at the entrance and went inside, only to find Kaye in the pantry and Deluca in the bathroom, both dead from multiple bullet injuries. While the motive behind the deaths is still being uncovered, just a few days earlier, on Thursday, police had received a phone call reporting a possible burglary in the neighbourhood, but didn't find any signs of forced entry, so they left. 'It is now believed that the suspect had gained entry into the residence through an unlocked door,' police said. When Robin and Tom returned home that day, they likely ran into the shooter, which led to a confrontation. Police believe the suspect shot them both and then fled on foot. 'Police are currently trying to determine whether Boodarian had any connection to Deluca and Kaye,' according to the Independent. Following an initial investigation, authorities arrested Boodarian on Tuesday. He lives in the same Encino neighbourhood. It's still unclear if Boodarian knew the victims personally. Also read: 'American Idol' alum Jordin Sparks to perform national anthem ahead of 108th Indianapolis 500 American Idol, in a statement to THR, said, '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.' Kaye had been with American Idol since 2009, having worked on the popular music show across hundreds of episodes. She was a backstage legend, clearing songs for the show and helping create some of its most memorable music moments. Back when it was almost unheard of, she managed to get Led Zeppelin's approval to use 'Whole Lotta Love' on the show. She also worked on Lip Sync Battle, Miss Universe, and the NAACP Image Awards. The music industry is devastated by the news, and tributes have been pouring in from friends, colleagues, and family. Also read: India to soon have its own K-pop bands backed by BTS' agency: Will HYBE's big bet challenge Bollywood's reign? 'I'm absolutely devastated. Though I shouldn't play favourites, Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted. She helped make my time on the show an unforgettable experience,' Colton Dixon, season 11 finalist, wrote. Season 8's Scott MacIntyre said, 'Robin was great at her job. As a blind person, there were always some extra considerations for me to work through when I needed to get hold of music or quickly research new songs to perform. Robin made that process as easy as possible for me and was always willing to go the extra mile. She helped me and a lot of others on our musical journeys.' Kaye's career in music began in Nashville, the place known for birthing legends, including Taylor Swift. She started with Waylon Jennings, then moved into artist development at MTM Records. After that, she joined MCA-Universal before heading music licensing at PolyGram. In 2000, she launched her own company, SynchroniCity, and was known for representing artists like Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins. Her husband, Tom Deluca, was a songwriter and musician. His final album, Street Rock, dropped in 2022.
The Hill
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Stephen A. Smith on starting political career by becoming president: ‘Why not?'
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith on Monday said he would consider jumpstarting his career as a politician by campaigning for the presidency. 'You want to start as president of the United States?' Stephen Colbert asked on ' The Late Show.' 'Why not?' Smith responded. Smith has been a sports commentator for over two decades, which has included a series of contracts for shows on ESPN. However, the Winston-Salem State University graduate has also recently drawn a political audience for his harsh criticism of both Democrats and Republicans through his podcast. 'I'm a registered Independent. I don't like either party. And I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country, is because both sides have been so polarizing that it forces you, as an American citizen, if you out here busy busting your tail every day, trying to make ends meet, trying to pay, take care of your family, your loved ones, etc., etc., you don't have the time to know all the intricate issues, all the integral issues,' Smith told Colbert. Smith said lawmakers in Washington ignore policies and vote opposite from the opposing party on most measures. 'All you have to do is disagree with the other side. You don't even have to look at the bill. You don't even have to pay attention to the issues. What's that side voting? We gone vote the other way because we don't want to do anything they want to do. They don't want to do anything we want to do,' Smith said. 'We want to do this polarization that takes place. The American citizens are used as pawns and take advantage of and I hate it. I detest it. And as a result, I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I'm not scared. I'm not running. I would love to take some of these folks on, because I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country, and they need to be held accountable for it,' he added. His comments come months ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and three years ahead of a vacancy in the White House. However, Smith shared his read on President Trump and explained why so many politicians may feel beholden to the leader. 'Trump has them in the palm of his hands. Why? Because he could snap his fingers. He could turn his base against them. They know it. They're scared of it, and they want to be career politicians instead of actually getting things done. So, they're at his mercy,' Smith said. 'Why? Because of his popularity and his ability to resonate with the masses. I resonate with the masses, I believe I can resonate with the masses. And so, that's what it is. It's not hard.' Smith has teased a presidential bid before, saying in April he would 'consider' a run.
RTÉ News
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Dustin the Turkey: "I will run to be president of Ireland"
Dustin the Turkey has said that he intends to run for the presidency of Ireland and has claimed that out-going President Michael D Higgins has endorsed him for the role. With former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness confirmed as Fine Gael's candidate and Independent TD Catherine Connolly expected to launch her campaign tomorrow, the singer, tv host and occasional carpenter has said that he "owes it to the people of Ireland" to make a bid to become head of state. Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Dustin said, "Look, I'll be honest with you - I am willing to move to a smaller property, I will go to the Phoenix Park and I will embrace it. "I can do stupid poems in Irish like your man, Mickey D Higgins, and funny enough, Michael D said to me, `Dustin, you should go for it and I'll leave my wardrobe here at Áras an Uachtaráin because it is the exact same size, it will fit you', so I can just go straight up. "Now, he has bit more of a Ned Kelly then me but I'd be straight into Áras an Uachtaráin and you know, my First Lady, or Vogue Williams as she is known, would be great, too. "Sometimes you see her and you don't whether to snog her or throw her a bale of hay - with teeth like that, she looks like she won the Grand National last year." Dustin, who harboured presidential ambitions before when he ran in 1997, added, "The short answer is of course I will be running for the presidency, I am not ruling myself out because the people of Ireland have been good to me and I should be giving back to them. "I ran against Mary Robinson and she was a good president but she put a light in the window and left the door open and that's a dangerous thing to do on the north side. "Then we had Mary McAleese and then we nearly had a lad from Cavan, that's how bad this country was getting but Mickey D stepped in and I think he was a good president apart from the stupid poems as Gaeilge but he is a good honest man." Dustin was speaking as he opened the newly refurbished branch of hardware shop Chadwicks in his native Sallynoggin, deep in South Country Dublin. A chip off the old block, the famous turkey, who rose to fame as a host of RTÉ kids show The Den alongside Zig and Zag, said he decided to support his local DIY outlet because he wanted to give something back to neighourhood that made him who he is. "You hit the nail on the head there," he said. "The people of Sallynoggin raised me. It is one of those communities where you can leave your back door open. Now, you'll get robbed, but you can leave your back door open, they'll even rob the back door. "When Chadwicks told me they were refurbin', I put in a tender for it, right? But apparently, some Eastern European builders got it because they turn up in time and charge a fair price and come back if there's anything wrong." Another high profile position in Ireland waiting to be filled is the new host of Liveline following Joe Duffy's departure from the role last June, and Dustin is more than ready to take over. "Me and Joe get on well," he said. "Joe was the ringmaster of a circus full of clowns and I'd be able to continue that on Livelive. You get all the nuts and madsters coming on and you just say, "dear god, dear god, dear god . . . I don't know what to do' and you get a quarter a million a year. It's that simple."
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No retaliation expected from ULFA-I, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there was no information on the claim made by the outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent)that their camps along the Indo-Myanmar border were attacked. He said that he does not foresee any retaliatory action from the ULFA. Sarma while talking to media persons on Tuesday said, 'Assam government has information on any strike till now. The Government of India has not informed us regarding any strike. Whatever we have learnt we learnt from the statement of Paresh Baruah.' He said that Assam police are neither involved nor aware about this. 'When we contacted the government of India, they also said that they have no information.' The chief minister said, 'I do not think that there will be any retaliation from ULFA. He (Baruah) is from Assam. If a bomb is exploded it will destroy Assam's land or school or road. They are supposedly fighting for Assam's good so why will they attack here. Retaliation here will mean breaking our own house.' He added, 'Assam is not only my home but their home too. Why will they attack their own home. Drone bomb was not triggered by the Assamese people. Attacking here will mean attacking us.' Live Events Proscribed militant ULFA- Independent claimed that at least three senior soldiers were killed, and 19 others were injured after the Indian Army launched a massive operation along the Indo-Myanmar border. The Army however claimed that it had not carried out any such operation. Defence sources said, 'no inputs with Indian Army on such operation.' ULFA (Independent) also known as the anti-talk faction of ULFA in a statement stated, 'Indian Army had launched drone attacks between Longwa in Indo -Myanmar border near Nagaland to Pangsau Pass along the international border near Arunachal Pradesh. The attack took place between 2 am to 4 am on Sunday. The outfit claimed that there was another attack later in the day on Sunday. The mobile camps of the banned outfit and RPF/PLA camps are affected severely as the Indian forces have dropped about 150 bombs in the entire area using drones made in Israel and France'. The outfit is led by chief Paresh Barua. He has remained elusive over the years. Sources in intelligence agencies said'ULFA might carry out retaliatory strike or sabotage activities in the run up to Independence Day celebration in Assam. Traditionally ULFA has used these days to make their presence felt. The anti-talk faction of ULFA has claimed it has planted bombs in 24 locations of Assam as a mark of protest to the Independence Day celebrations last year.' Initially banned in 1990, ULFA's prohibition has been periodically renewed, with the latest extension declared on November 27, 2024. The MHA, in its notification, stated that ULFA had continued its efforts to separate Assam from India, perpetrating criminal activities such as bombings and the illegal possession of arms. Between November 2019 and July 2024, ULFA was linked to 16 criminal cases, including the use of explosives ahead of Independence Day 2024. The outfit is the only major outfit in Northeast India which is out of the peace talks with the government. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi said, " This strike cannot happen without the knowledge of Himanta Biswa Sarma. The chief minister has on a number of occasions claimed that he is in touch with Paresh Baruah so it is not possible that Sarma does not know about the drone strike. The union home ministry will never take such a decision without consulting the Assam chief minister. This is a rerun of the dark days of secret killing in Assam."
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Daily Record
What happened to the Sycamore Gap Tree as pair of fellers to be sentenced today
Two men are to be sentenced for taking a chainsaw to the iconic tree that was almost 150 years old. The famous Sycamore Gap Tree at Hadrian's Wall was felled by a pair of vandals back in September 2023. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers are to be sentenced today, July 15 at Newcastle Crown Court for criminal damage. The tree was an iconic staple of the English countryside, and was protected by the National Trust along with Hadrian's Wall. It had even featured in Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in 1991. But after growing for nearly 150 years, the tree was cut down in under three minutes by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers. One of two men took a chainsaw to the sycamore while the other filmed the crime on his phone. They were convicted in May of two counts of criminal damage each, for vandalising both the tree and Hadrian's Wall, and the judge is to decide their fate in court today. Each count carries a penalty of up to a decade in prison. But as the sycamore and its vandals make headlines today (July 15), questions are being raised on the details of this odd crime, and why on earth Graham and Carruthers decided to carry it out. Was there motive to the tree-felling or was this nothing more but mindless vandalism? Here's everything you need to know about the now-felled Sycamore Gap Tree. What happened to the Sycamore Gap Tree? On September 28, 2023, Graham, 39 and Carruthers, 32, travelled more than 40 minutes from their homes in Cumbria to Hadrian's Wall, where they carried their equipment, including a chainsaw, across pitch black moorland until they reached the tree. One of them cut down the tree while the other filmed the crime in a video that lasts two minutes and 41 seconds, reported the Independent. Messages and voice notes between the vandals from the following day showed them bragging about the news of the now-felled tree going 'wild' and 'viral'. They even took a wedge from the tree as a souvenir from their crime, which has never been recovered. But what could have motivated them to commit such an odd act of vandalism? Why did the pair cut down the Sycamore Gap Tree? While the two vandals were formerly friends and colleagues, they have reportedly fallen out after the scandal, with each of them blaming the other for the incident. During the trial, Graham accused Carruthers of having a fascination with the Sycamore Gap, and said his partner in crime had described it as 'the most famous tree in the world'. He said Carruthers had spoken of wanting to cut it down, and had kept a piece of string in his workshop that he had used to measure the tree's circumference. But these claims were denied by Carruthers, who said he did not understand why the incident had gained so much attention, describing the now-dead sycamore as 'just a tree'. A spokesperson for the National Trust said: 'The needless felling of the Sycamore Gap tree shocked people around the country and overseas, demonstrating the powerful connection between people and our natural heritage.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
