A 22-year-old man has been detained in connection with the deaths of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas DeLuca. The couple was discovered deceased in their Encino, California, home following a deadly altercation during an apparent break-in.
Raymond Boodarian is facing charges related to the deaths of Kaye and DeLuca, both aged 70, who were found during a welfare check on July 15, 2025. Neighbors had not heard from the couple for four days. The bodies were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds, Kaye in the pantry and DeLuca in the bathroom of their $4.5 million residence.
Evidence from the home’s surveillance footage was crucial in leading to Boodarian’s arrest. According to investigators, the incident occurred on July 10, 2025, when the suspect allegedly jumped over the property’s fence and entered through an unlocked sliding glass door. Kaye and DeLuca returned home about half an hour later, which led to the confrontation.
LAPD Lt. Guy Golan stated that a handgun was found at the suspect’s residence, which they believe might be the murder weapon, although forensic results are pending. The lieutenant explained that the confrontation led to the victims being shot multiple times.
The residence was described by investigators as highly secured, featuring an eight-foot wall topped with security spikes and comprehensive surveillance coverage. Despite these measures, the assailant managed to find an unsecured entry point. Officers were called to the property on July 11 after receiving two reports of a man jumping fences in the area. However, they left when no one answered and nothing seemed amiss.
Blood was discovered at the entrance, and investigators noted a broken window. The home did not appear to be ransacked, suggesting it was not a typical burglary. Previously owned by rapper Juice WRLD, who died of an accidental overdose in 2019, Kaye and DeLuca bought it for approximately $4.5 million in 2023.
Boodarian has a recorded history of violent incidents involving family members. He faced charges over a year prior for battery and displaying a deadly weapon, but those were dismissed. Court documents indicate he was found mentally incompetent three months before the dismissal. Additional charges included brandishing a knife and making threats against his stepfather in 2023, and battery against his mother and sister in 2024. All three misdemeanor cases were dismissed in late 2024.
Criminal defense attorney Lou Shapiro explained that California’s legal system sometimes contributes to such releases, noting that a separate court exists for individuals with mental health issues. He mentioned that while most fare well, this instance may indicate a system failure.
Kaye worked as a music supervisor on American Idol for 15 seasons, starting in 2009, and earned multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. Her work also extended to “Lip Sync Battle,” as well as Miss USA and Miss Universe productions. DeLuca was a musician.
An American Idol spokesperson expressed sadness over the deaths, stating that Kaye was a cornerstone of the Idol family, loved and respected by all. They noted, “Robin will remain in our hearts forever.”
The Encino, California neighborhood, where the murders took place, has experienced a series of break-ins and burglaries recently. “Black-ish” star Anthony Anderson’s home was broken into in late May 2025, and a local jewelry store was burglarized a week later using blowtorches to access a safe.
LAPD Captain Mike Bland highlighted the importance of basic security measures, especially securing windows and doors. He noted that high-quality surveillance footage often aids in identifying suspects, especially when integrated with facial recognition technology.
Boodarian was formally charged on Thursday, July 17, with murder and burglary.
Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing. Police are working to determine if there was any connection between Boodarian and the victims.