News Summary
Robin Kaye, a music producer for ‘American Idol,’ and her husband Thomas Deluca were found dead in their Encino home. Both were 70 years old and suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The LAPD is investigating the incident as a double homicide, with a 22-year-old suspect arrested in connection to the case. Friends mourn their loss, highlighting Kaye’s significant contributions to the music industry and the couple’s impact on their community.
Encino, California – Robin Kaye, a music producer for “American Idol,” and her husband Thomas Deluca were found dead in their home on July 14. Both 70 years old and linked to Nashville, the couple had multiple gunshot wounds when discovered by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) during a welfare check prompted by a close friend. The incident is currently under investigation as a double homicide.
Police received the request for a welfare check after the couple had not been heard from for several days. Upon their arrival at the couple’s residence around 2:30 p.m., officers found the door unlocked and gained entry by breaching a glass window, only to find Kaye and Deluca deceased inside. The investigation revealed that a struggle likely occurred when the couple returned home, leading to the fatal shooting.
The alleged suspect, identified as Raymond Boodarian, 22, a local resident of Encino, is suspected of entering the home and shooting the couple after a confrontation. Boodarian allegedly fled the scene but was later apprehended by police, thanks in part to surveillance footage and forensic evidence. Authorities had previously responded to an incident on July 10 involving someone jumping the couple’s fence, but no signs of forced entry were detected at that time.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a friend of the couple, Ronnie Brooks, expressed deep sorrow for their loss, indicating that Kaye and Deluca were regarded as family within their close-knit circle. Kaye had worked in the music industry for years, becoming a significant presence in the production of “American Idol” beginning in 2009, and she had also contributed to other notable shows like Miss Universe and the NAACP Image Awards. Her role in securing song licensing for key performances on “American Idol,” including arrangements for songs by Led Zeppelin, was particularly revered.
Thomas Deluca was a talented songwriter and musician, with his latest album, “Street Rock,” released in 2022. Kaye’s influence touched many within the music community, leading to an outpouring of tributes from former “American Idol” contestants who recognized her impact on their careers and personal paths in the industry. A spokesperson from “American Idol” expressed profound sadness over the couple’s tragic deaths, underscoring Kaye’s significant contributions to the show.
Boodarian had a prior legal issue in 2024, where charges against him were dismissed due to being found mentally incompetent to stand trial. The LAPD’s Valley Homicide Division is currently handling the investigation and encourages anyone with information related to the case to come forward. As details surrounding this heartbreaking incident continue to surface, the Encino community mourns the loss of the beloved couple.
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Robin Kaye Double Homicide
- Wikipedia: American Idol
- Hollywood Reporter: Robin Kaye
- Google Search: Robin Kaye American Idol
- American Songwriter: American Idol Statement
- Google Scholar: Robin Kaye
- Men’s Journal: Thomas Deluca Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Idol
Author: HERE Nashville
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