The entertainment world was rocked in July 2025 by the shocking double homicide of a highly respected music executive and her husband in Encino, Los Angeles.
A loss that reverberated throughout television, music, and beyond. The victims, Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas “Tom” Deluca.
Were widely admired by colleagues and friends for their creativity, kindness, and decades of collaborative work in the industry.
Their deaths — the result of gunshot wounds — were discovered in their own home during a welfare check requested by concerned acquaintances after the couple failed to respond to calls and had not been seen for several days.
Law enforcement has since arrested a suspect and launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murders.
Discovery of the Crime and Police Response
On July 14, 2025, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) were dispatched to a residence on White Oak Avenue in Encino following a welfare check request.
The caller had become alarmed after neighbors and friends were unable to reach the couple for several days.
When officers arrived at the upscale home in the mid-afternoon, they noticed signs of trouble near the front entrance.
According to multiple sources, including law enforcement statements, officers observed blood outside the property, prompting them to take urgent action.
Because no one responded at the door, and given the signs of possible violence, officers forced entry into the residence.
Inside, they discovered the bodies of two individuals — later identified as Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca — both suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics declared them dead at the scene.
The investigation was immediately classified as a double homicide, and homicide detectives took over the scene for further forensic processing and evidence collection.
Victims Identified: Longtime Industry Figures
The victims were identified as Robin Kaye, age 70, and her husband Thomas “Tom” Deluca, also 70. Both were well-known in entertainment circles, though in different roles.
Robin Kaye was a veteran music supervisor best known for her long tenure on the iconic television series American Idol, where she worked behind the scenes for more than a decade.
Her role involved selecting, clearing, and managing the use of music on the show — a task that required deep industry knowledge, creativity, and collaboration with artists.
Thomas Deluca was a musician, songwriter, and artist with a long history in music, both as a performer and behind the scenes.
He had released albums and worked with other musicians over the years.
Their deaths sent ripples through Hollywood and the broader entertainment community, where they were widely regarded not only for their artistic contributions but also for their generosity, mentorship, and warmth.
Initial Investigation and Arrest
Shortly after the discovery of the couple’s bodies, law enforcement began piecing together what had transpired in the days prior to the discovery.
LAPD investigators reviewed surveillance footage and forensic evidence that helped identify a potential suspect.
On July 15, 2025, police arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, a local resident of Encino, in connection with the killings.
He was taken into custody without incident following a coordinated effort by LAPD homicide detectives and federal agents.
Authorities allege that Boodarian had been inside the home on July 10, several days before the bodies were found, during what appeared to be an attempted burglary.
According to law enforcement statements, the couple returned home while the suspect was inside. A confrontation reportedly ensued, during which both Kaye and Deluca were shot.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot, leaving the scene locked behind him. Police later located and arrested him at his residence in Encino. He was charged with multiple counts of murder and residential burglary.
Court Proceedings: Mental Competency and Legal Process
In the months following the arrest, the legal proceedings took an additional turn.
In November 2025, a judge found Raymond Boodarian incompetent to stand trial, citing concerns related to his current mental health status.
As a result, criminal proceedings were suspended, and he was ordered to be committed to a state psychiatric hospital until competency can be restored.
Additional hearings are scheduled to assess whether he can be returned to court in the future.
Charges against Boodarian include two counts of murder with special circumstances and a separate count for residential burglary related to the death of the couple.
Background on Robin Kaye’s Career
Robin Kaye had a long, distinguished career in television music supervision, a role that goes beyond simply choosing songs.
Music supervisors are responsible for negotiating music rights, working with composers and artists, aligning musical selections with creative and narrative goals, and often influencing the tone and emotional resonance of visual media.
Kaye’s most notable work was on American Idol, where she served as music supervisor from 2009 to 2023 — contributing to nearly 300 episodes and overseeing complex musical programming that supported one of television’s most popular series.
Her peers remembered her as a central figure in the music supervision community, having served in leadership roles with the Guild of Music Supervisors and winning multiple awards for her craft.
Her expertise was respected by artists, producers, and colleagues who recognized both her technical skill and her collaborative spirit.
Industry and Community Tributes
Following news of the couple’s death, tributes poured in from across entertainment industries. Former contestants, collaborators, and industry professionals took to social media to share memories of Kaye and Deluca — often emphasizing their creativity, generosity, and calming presence.
One former American Idol contestant described Kaye as “one of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” highlighting how her influence extended beyond professional duties into genuine personal support.
others echoed similar sentiments, saying she helped trainees and artists feel comfortable and confident during high-pressure production moments.
A spokesperson for American Idol released a heartfelt statement emphasizing how much Kaye meant to the production and its community: “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.” Continue reading…
