A shocking tragedy has rocked both Hollywood and the “American Idol” family after longtime music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found shot dead inside their Encino home.
The couple’s bodies were discovered after police responded to a welfare check request on July 15 around 2:30 p.m. at their White Oak Avenue residence in Los Angeles. Both victims were found in separate rooms with gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected killer, identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, has been arrested. LAPD believes the young man had no connection to the victims and was in the middle of a burglary when the couple unexpectedly came home, leading to a deadly confrontation. According to law enforcement sources, Boodarian had broken into the house on July 10, staying inside for about 30 minutes before Robin and Tom returned. The struggle that followed ended in their brutal deaths.
Police say the suspect didn’t break in forcefully, he allegedly found an unlocked entry point. Surveillance video shows him entering the property in broad daylight, and although officers received two calls for a possible burglary that same day, they were unable to enter the fortified home and left after seeing no clear signs of forced entry. Helicopter surveillance didn’t turn up anything alarming either.
By the time officers returned for the welfare check days later, it was too late. Police were forced to break a back window to gain access to the house, where they made the horrific discovery. AIR7 footage revealed the shattered glass sliding door, further confirming the police account.
Robin Kaye had been with “American Idol” since 2009, and the show’s team shared an emotional tribute, calling her a cornerstone of the family and deeply respected by all who knew her. “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing,” the show said in a statement. “Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Neighbors were stunned by the tragedy. One local resident, Amee Faggen, said her renter called 911 on July 11 after spotting someone jumping the fence, though it’s unclear if that incident was directly related. “We didn’t see or hear anything,” she said. Another neighbor mentioned the family hadn’t heard from Robin and Tom for four days before requesting the welfare check.
Sheriff’s deputies were seen canvassing the property with a K9 unit, a step ladder, and tools, climbing fences and shaking trees to locate any possible evidence. Officials have since been combing the neighborhood for additional surveillance footage, trying to piece together the timeline of events.
While police say the suspect acted alone and had no ties to organized burglary rings, the case has left the community reeling and asking how something so violent could happen in such a quiet, upscale neighborhood. The LAPD and other agencies are continuing their investigation, and Raymond Boodarian is now facing murder charges.
The sudden and violent end to two well-loved members of the entertainment industry has sparked an outpouring of grief and renewed concerns about safety, even in seemingly secure neighborhoods. As the investigation continues, many are remembering Robin Kaye not just for her work on “Idol,” but for her warmth, creativity, and dedication behind the scenes.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
