Robin Kaye, a highly respected music supervisor who worked on American Idol for more than a decade, and her husband, musician Thomas Deluca, were found dead in their Encino, Los Angeles home following a welfare check by police. Authorities discovered both of them with fatal gunshot wounds. Their deaths have been officially ruled a double homicide.

Investigators believe the suspect is 22‑year-old Raymond Boodarian, who was arrested shortly after. According to police, Boodarian allegedly entered their home through an unlocked door while they were out on July 10, and when Kaye and Deluca returned, a confrontation ensued that ended in tragedy. Their front alarm system was reportedly disabled, and there were prior reports that someone had scaled their fence days earlier.

Autopsy and death-certificate details further clarify the circumstances: Kaye was shot and died within minutes, while Deluca was shot and died almost immediately.  Although the killing occurred around July 10, their official date of death is listed as July 14 — four days later — because that’s when their bodies were discovered.

Robin Kaye was a major figure in the entertainment world. From around 2009 to 2023, she was central to American Idol, overseeing music licensing and helping select songs for contestants. Her credits also include work on The Singing Bee, Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, and even Miss Universe pageants, marking her as a versatile and influential music supervisor.  Deluca, her husband, was an accomplished singer-songwriter; his work included albums like Down to the Wire and Street Rock and songwriting for artists like Kid Rock.

In response to the killings, the American Idol community and broader entertainment world were deeply shaken. In a statement, representatives described Kaye as a “cornerstone” of the Idol family, beloved and highly respected for her talent and character. Colleagues and former contestants have expressed grief and remembered her for her dedication, mentorship, and her uncanny ability to match the right song with the right moment.

On the legal side, Boodarian has been charged with two counts of murder and first-degree residential burglary, along with “special circumstance” allegations — including that the murders occurred during a burglary. His arraignment was scheduled for August, and there are also questions about his mental health, as court filings raised doubts about his competency to stand trial. Meanwhile, local Encino residents have expressed rising concerns over home invasions.

As the investigation continues, the community is being urged to come forward with any relevant information. Detective work is ongoing, and the tragic loss of Kaye and Deluca remains a painful reminder of both their personal impact and the fragility of life. Their artistic legacy — her work shaping Idol’s sound and his contributions as a musician — continues to be honored.