The entertainment world is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Robin Kaye, a veteran music supervisor known for her long-standing role with American Idol, and her husband Thomas Deluca, a seasoned musician. Both were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on Monday, July 15, 2025, in what police have described as a violent home invasion turned double homicide.
The Shocking Discovery in Encino
On Monday afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a welfare check request at a house on the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue in Encino, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley.
According to police reports, the concern came from family members and friends who had been unable to reach the couple. Upon arrival, officers made a grisly discovery inside the home: both Robin Kaye, 70, and her husband Thomas Deluca, 70, were found fatally shot.
Robin’s body was located in the pantry area, while Thomas was found in a bathroom. Both appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds to the head, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Arrest Made: What Police Say About the Suspect
Within 24 hours of the incident, LAPD announced the arrest of Raymond Boodarian, a 22-year-old man from the Encino area. According to investigators, Boodarian had unlawfully entered the home days earlier, possibly on July 10, and had remained inside undetected.
Authorities now believe that Kaye and Deluca interrupted the burglary upon returning home. The confrontation that followed allegedly led to both of their deaths.
Surprisingly, police said there was no evidence of forced entry or a struggle. The suspect is believed to have entered through an unlocked door and stayed inside, possibly hiding in the home for several days. There were no signs of ransacking, which suggests the motive might not have been traditional burglary, but something more opportunistic and deeply disturbing.
A Coordinated Arrest Operation
The suspect was located and arrested on Tuesday with assistance from several law enforcement units, including the LAPD’s Homicide Division, Gang and Narcotics Division, and the FBI Fugitive Task Force. Officers acted swiftly following forensic investigations and witness interviews.
The LAPD is continuing to investigate the motive behind the double homicide. At this point, they have not identified any personal connection between the suspect and the victims. The case is being treated as a home invasion gone tragically wrong, but officials are also reviewing whether the earlier burglary report on July 10 was properly handled.
Robin Kaye: A Career of Music, Passion, and Influence
Robin Kaye’s contributions to television and music spanned over two decades. Her work touched millions of viewers across various programs, but she was best known for her 13-year tenure with American Idol from 2009 to 2023, where she played a vital behind-the-scenes role as a music supervisor.
Kaye’s career began in the late 1990s, and one of her earliest credits was on the iconic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1998. She went on to work on several notable television shows, including:
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Nashville Star (2008)
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The Singing Bee (2007–2011)
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Hollywood Game Night (2014–2016)
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Lip Sync Battle, The Next, and major pageants like Miss USA and Miss Universe
Kaye also co-founded SyncroniCity, a music licensing firm, and served as a music consultant for major networks and events. Her portfolio includes working with Andrea Bocelli, Donny Osmond, Kenny Loggins, and other big names in the music world.
She began her career in Nashville, working with Waylon Jennings, and later held senior positions at MCA-Universal and PolyGram before transitioning into television.
Thomas Deluca: A Quiet Force in Songwriting
Thomas Deluca, also 70, was an accomplished musician and songwriter. His work dates back to the mid-1980s, and he released multiple songs that were recorded by international artists like Diesel and Meredith Brooks.
Deluca’s most recent album, titled Street Rock, was released in 2022 and marked a return to his musical roots. Friends and collaborators describe him as a gentle and deeply creative soul who often worked from home, composing and recording music in a makeshift studio.
Together, Robin and Thomas were known as a close, artistic couple with deep ties in both the Hollywood and Nashville music scenes.
Deep Grief Within the American Idol Family and Industry
Following the confirmation of their deaths, a spokesperson for American Idol released an emotional statement recognizing Kaye’s deep contributions to the show and the entertainment community at large. Robin had become a beloved figure on set and was widely respected for her collaborative nature and deep musical expertise.
The tragedy has shocked those who knew the couple personally and professionally. Colleagues and stars who worked with Robin expressed grief and disbelief, noting that both Robin and Thomas were kind-hearted, generous people who had a positive impact on everyone they met.
LAPD’s Continuing Investigation
Investigators are now working to determine the full timeline of events—from when the suspect first entered the home to the moments leading up to the murders. The LAPD is also reviewing its response to a call made on July 10, which may have been the first indication of the break-in.
Authorities urge anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area to come forward, as they continue piecing together the sequence of events and motives behind this shocking and senseless act of violence.
A Tragic Reminder
The deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca serve as a grim reminder of how unpredictable acts of violence can tear apart even the most peaceful lives. Their story highlights the importance of community vigilance, secure home environments, and proactive law enforcement.
Robin and Thomas will be remembered not only for their talents and contributions to the world of music and television but also for the lives they lived together—creative, passionate, and deeply connected to the artistic fabric of America.
Their legacy will live on through the shows, songs, and people they touched over decades of work.
