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Tragedy struck the entertainment world as longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found shot dead in their Los Angeles home on Monday afternoon. The discovery was made after officers responded to a welfare check at the couple's residence in the Encino neighborhood, prompted by a concerned party who hadn't heard from them in days.
Authorities arrived around 2:30 p.m. and noticed blood at the front entrance. Upon entry, they found both 70-year-olds deceased from gunshot wounds. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the double homicide shortly after, launching an intensive overnight investigation.
On Tuesday afternoon, LAPD homicide detectives arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, also a resident of Encino, in connection with the killings. Police allege that Boodarian broke into the home on July 10 through an unlocked door. Believing the house to be unoccupied, he reportedly began burglarizing the premises. According to police, the situation escalated fatally when Kaye and Deluca returned home unexpectedly and encountered the intruder.
Investigators believe a confrontation ensued, during which Boodarian allegedly shot both victims multiple times before fleeing on foot. At the time of his arrest, no charges had been formally announced, and Boodarian had not been assigned a public defender. LAPD has yet to determine if there was any prior relationship between the suspect and the victims.
The American Idol production issued a heartfelt statement mourning Kaye's death. "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," a spokesperson said. "Robin will remain in our hearts forever, and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time."
Kaye's work on American Idol earned her deep respect within the industry. Known for her sharp ear and collaborative spirit, she played a key role in shaping the show's musical identity for over 15 years.
As news of the double homicide reverberated across Hollywood, law enforcement emphasized that the investigation remains active. "We are pursuing all leads and trying to establish a complete picture of what transpired," the LAPD stated.
This shocking incident has left the Encino community shaken and a family shattered. For now, those who knew the couple are left with grief, and questions that remain painfully unanswered.
