Encino, Los Angeles — The entertainment community and the producers of the iconic singing competition “American Idol” are grieving the heartbreaking loss of longtime music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple was found fatally shot inside their Encino home on Monday afternoon, July 14, 2025, in what police have described as a double homicide.
Discovery and Investigation
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a welfare check request around 2:30 p.m. at the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Kaye and Deluca with apparent gunshot wounds, both declared dead at the scene. Authorities also noted a trail of blood inside the residence and a broken sliding glass door, indicating a possible forced entry, although police believe the suspect accessed the home through an unlocked door.
A suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, who also lives in Encino, was apprehended without incident. Investigators believe the shooting happened during an attempted burglary on July 10, when the couple arrived home unexpectedly and confronted the intruder. Police stated no evidence links Boodarian to any burglary rings or accomplices; it appears to have been an isolated incident.
Tribute to Robin Kaye
Robin Kaye was more than a producer; she was a fundamental figure in the “American Idol” family. Serving as a music supervisor for over a decade from 2009 to 2023, Kaye contributed to more than 200 episodes, shaping the musical journey of many contestants. She had an extensive career spanning over 40 years, including work on shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Singing Bee,” and “Hollywood Game Night”.
The “American Idol” spokesperson expressed deep sorrow:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Robin and her beloved husband, Tom. Robin has been an integral part of the Idol family since 2009, and she was genuinely cherished and admired by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Robin will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this challenging period.”
Fans and former contestants, including season 11 finalist Colton Dixon and season 8’s Scott MacIntyre, shared their grief and praised her dedication to artists, highlighting how she made their experiences on the show memorable and accessible.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities continue probing the circumstances surrounding the murders while canvassing the neighborhood for additional video evidence. The motive beyond the burglary attempt remains under investigation, and detectives are determining whether any prior police calls or connections existed between the suspect and the victims.
This tragic event leaves the “American Idol” community and fans mourning the loss of a beloved producer whose influence on the show’s music was profound and lasting.
For Miamiok.org, this has been a somber reminder of the fragility of life behind the scenes in the entertainment world.