In a tragedy that’s shaken the entertainment industry and the music supervision community, longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found shot to death inside their Encino home last week. On Thursday, Los Angeles County prosecutors filed murder and burglary charges against Raymond Boodarian, 22, of Encino, who now faces life in prison if convicted.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Boodarian is accused of entering the couple’s home on July 10 through an unlocked door. When Kaye and Deluca returned home from a trip to the grocery store, they interrupted what prosecutors say was an active burglary. A confrontation reportedly occurred, and both victims were fatally shot.
“In a matter of moments, this couple was senselessly killed in their own home,” said District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, calling the murders a heartbreaking example of violent crime’s impact on an unsuspecting family.
The LAPD initially responded to a call about a possible burglary at the home on July 10, but officers found no immediate evidence of a crime. It wasn’t until July 15, when someone requested a welfare check after not hearing from the couple for several days, that officers discovered a trail of blood at the front door. Inside, Kaye and Deluca were found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. They were both 70 years old.
Boodarian was arrested on July 16 and appeared in court Thursday. His arraignment was postponed until August 20. He remains held without bail, and public defender records list him as represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
Investigators have yet to establish whether there was any prior connection between Boodarian and the victims. The motive, beyond burglary, is still under investigation. Authorities have confirmed that Boodarian had previously been charged in 2024 with battery, brandishing a weapon, and making threats, but those charges were dismissed after court-ordered mental health evaluations.
Robin Kaye, whose work shaped the musical identity of American Idol for over 15 years, was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. According to her IMDb page, she worked on more than 200 episodes of the hit show since joining in 2009. She earned accolades from the Guild of Music Supervisors, winning Best Music Supervision for Reality Television in 2014.
In a statement to The New York Times, a representative for American Idol expressed profound sadness: “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.”
Deluca, Kaye’s husband, was reportedly not involved in the entertainment industry but was known to friends and colleagues as a gentle, thoughtful presence. The couple had been married for decades and were active in their local Encino community.
As the case unfolds, those who knew and worked with Robin Kaye are left mourning the loss of not just a colleague, but a passionate advocate for music and an unwavering supporter of emerging artists. Her legacy lives on in the performances and arrangements that helped define a generation of reality TV music.
Lexi Carson covers the buzziest campaigns, brand beefs, and streaming shake-ups. She’s known for her razor-sharp takes, obsession with 90s ad jingles, and a red bob that’s never once missed a deadline.
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