The entertainment industry was shaken by the tragic deaths of Robin Kaye, a veteran music supervisor best known for her work on American Idol, and her husband, Thomas “Tom” Deluca, a musician and songwriter. The couple, both aged 70, were found dead in their Encino, Los Angeles, home on July 14, 2025, following a welfare check by police.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the couple both suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Their bodies were discovered in separate rooms — Kaye was found in the pantry, while Deluca was located in the bathroom.
Just days earlier, on July 10, officers had responded to a 911 call about a possible burglary at the same address. Witnesses reported seeing someone hopping the fence, but law enforcement found no immediate signs of intrusion at that time. Authorities now believe the suspect entered through an unlocked door, rather than breaking in forcibly. When Kaye and Deluca returned home, a confrontation allegedly ensued, ending in the fatal shooting.
A suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, was arrested shortly afterward. He is charged with two counts of murder and one count of first‑degree residential burglary. The district attorney added special circumstance allegations, meaning he could face life in prison without parole.
Kaye was a highly respected figure in television music. She had been working on American Idol since 2009 (some outlets say up to 15 seasons) and also contributed to shows like Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, The Singing Bee, and even televised pageants such as Miss USA and Miss Universe. Colleagues remember her for her impeccable musical judgment, her kindness, and her mentorship of younger professionals. Deluca, her husband, had an active music career as well — writing songs for notable artists such as Kid Rock, Micky Dolenz, and Diesel, and releasing his own albums. Their deaths have left a profound mark on the entertainment community, with many paying tribute to their decades of creative work and their personal warmth.
While the arrest of Boodarian marks a major development, many in the community are still mourning the loss and calling attention to the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of what happened.