"American Idol" Tragedy: Beloved Music Executive and Husband Killed, Suspect Had Troubled Past

By Asad Taizai | True Crime Enthusiast

A chilling double homicide has shocked fans of the long-running show American Idol, as music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, musician Thomas Deluca, were found murdered in their Los Angeles home. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the killings, raising serious questions about mental health, legal gaps, and early intervention.

The Suspect's Troubled Background

Raymond Boodarian, who was taken into custody without resistance on July 15, had a documented history of violence and mental instability. In the past year alone, he faced multiple misdemeanor charges, including assault against his stepfather and battery involving his mother and sister. However, all charges were eventually dropped after Boodarian was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial and placed under a legal conservatorship. This meant another adult was given control over his life decisions.

Court documents confirm that Boodarian underwent a mental health evaluation, although the findings remain sealed from the public. Shortly after, he was released from jail and placed under supervision. Despite the legal oversight, he was free at the time of the double homicide.

The Day of the Crime

The horrific incident unfolded on July 10 in the upscale Encino neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the couple returned home to find an intruder already inside — Boodarian, who had entered the property through an unlocked door.

Though there were initially no signs of forced entry, investigators now believe Boodarian had scaled the perimeter wall and accessed the house unnoticed. A neighbor, who witnessed a man climbing over the fence, called 911. However, no immediate action or arrest followed.

Boodarian reportedly spent approximately 30 minutes inside the residence before Kaye and Deluca arrived. The confrontation that followed turned deadly.

Police say the couple was shot multiple times. Deluca's body was later discovered in the bathroom, while Kaye was found lifeless in the pantry. Authorities conducted a welfare check on July 15, four days after the shooting, when friends and neighbors reported not seeing or hearing from the couple.

How He Was Caught

Investigators used facial recognition technology to identify Boodarian as the man seen scaling the fence. After gathering sufficient evidence, LAPD detectives arrested him. His initial court hearing is scheduled for July 18.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has not clarified whether his prior mental health history will impact the prosecution in this murder case.

Who Were the Victims?

Robin Kaye, 70, had a remarkable career in the music industry. She served as the music supervisor for American Idol from 2002 until 2023, contributing to nearly 300 episodes. Her work earned her three awards from the Guild of Music Supervisors. She also founded the record company SyncroniCity, representing renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Kenny Loggins, and Donny Osmond.

Her husband, Thomas Deluca, also 70, was a talented songwriter and musician. He released his first album, Down To The Wire, in 1986 under Epic Records. His most recent work, Street Rock, came out in 2022.

A Devastated Community Reacts

A representative for American Idol expressed deep sorrow over the couple'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. Robin will remain in our hearts forever.”

The case remains under investigation by the LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division. While a clear motive has yet to be established, police currently believe the crime was an isolated act, not tied to any known burglary network.

A Tragedy That Raises Questions

The murders of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca bring to light serious concerns about how the justice system handles mentally unstable individuals who pose potential threats. Should Boodarian have been monitored more closely? Could these lives have been saved?

As their loved ones mourn an unimaginable loss, the public is left grappling with the harsh reality that mental health issues, when left unchecked, can spiral into unspeakable tragedy.