Entertainment World Reeling After Double Homicide of ‘American Idol’ Music Executive and Husband
In July 2025, a devastating crime sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry. Robin Kaye, a longtime and highly respected music executive best known for her work on American Idol, and her husband, musician Thomas “Tom” Deluca, were found shot to death inside their Encino, Los Angeles home.
The loss resonated deeply across television, music, and creative communities, where the couple had earned admiration not only for their professional achievements but also for their generosity, warmth, and collaborative spirit.
The bodies were discovered after friends and acquaintances requested a welfare check, concerned that the couple had not returned calls or been seen for several days. What police uncovered that afternoon quickly escalated into a major homicide investigation.
Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery
On July 14, 2025, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on White Oak Avenue in Encino. Those close to the couple had grown increasingly worried after repeated attempts to contact them went unanswered.
Upon arriving at the property, officers noticed troubling signs near the front of the house, including visible blood outside the entrance. With no response from inside and clear indications that something was wrong, police forced entry into the home.
Inside, they found two individuals deceased. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The victims were later confirmed to be Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The case was immediately classified as a double homicide, and homicide detectives began a full forensic investigation.
Remembering Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca
Robin Kaye, 70, was a veteran music supervisor whose career spanned decades. She was best known for her work on American Idol, where she served as music supervisor from 2009 through 2023, contributing to nearly 300 episodes of the iconic series.
Her responsibilities extended far beyond song selection. Kaye managed music licensing, coordinated with artists and composers, and helped shape the emotional tone of the show through carefully curated musical choices. Her expertise earned her multiple awards and leadership roles within the Guild of Music Supervisors.
Her husband, Thomas “Tom” Deluca, also 70, was a musician, songwriter, and recording artist. Over the years, he released his own music and collaborated with other artists, remaining deeply connected to the creative process.
Together, they were widely regarded as kind, supportive, and deeply committed to both their craft and their community.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
In the days following the discovery, LAPD investigators reviewed surveillance footage and collected forensic evidence that led them to a suspect.
On July 15, 2025, police arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, an Encino resident, without incident. Authorities allege that Boodarian had entered the couple’s home on July 10 during what appeared to be a burglary attempt.
According to investigators, Kaye and Deluca returned home while the suspect was still inside. A confrontation reportedly followed, during which both were shot. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, leaving the residence locked behind him.
Boodarian was later charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances, along with an additional charge of residential burglary.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Competency Ruling
The case took a significant turn several months later. In November 2025, a judge ruled that Boodarian was not mentally competent to stand trial at that time.
As a result, criminal proceedings were suspended, and he was ordered to be placed in a state psychiatric facility until competency could potentially be restored. Future hearings were scheduled to reassess his condition and determine whether the case could proceed.
Tributes Pour In From Industry and Community
News of the killings prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment industry. Colleagues, artists, and former American Idol contestants shared memories highlighting Robin Kaye’s kindness, mentorship, and calming presence during high-pressure productions.
One former contestant described her as “one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever worked with,” noting that she made artists feel supported and at ease. Others echoed similar sentiments, crediting her with helping them navigate stressful moments with confidence.
American Idol released a statement honoring Kaye’s legacy, calling her “a cornerstone of the Idol family” and expressing deep sympathy for the couple’s loved ones.
A Community Shaken
Beyond Hollywood, the tragedy deeply affected the Encino neighborhood where Kaye and Deluca had lived for years. Neighbors described the couple as friendly and engaged members of the community.
Friends later revealed that the couple had recently discussed improving home security after a prior break-in attempt, a heartbreaking detail given the outcome. Their deaths raised renewed concerns about safety, even in affluent neighborhoods often viewed as secure.
Questions Remain as Investigation Continues
While a suspect has been arrested and charged, investigators continue to examine unanswered questions surrounding motive and circumstances. Authorities have described the killings as possibly random, with no known prior relationship between the suspect and the victims.
Police are also reviewing whether earlier incidents, including a reported burglary attempt earlier in July, may be connected to the fatal encounter.
Honoring Their Legacy
As the legal process moves forward, many in the entertainment world have chosen to focus on remembering Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca for the lives they lived rather than the violence that ended them.
Kaye’s influence on television music—particularly through one of the most culturally significant shows of its era—left a lasting imprint on the industry. Deluca’s lifelong dedication to music and creativity reflected the same passion.
Together, they are remembered as artists, mentors, partners, and friends whose impact continues to be felt far beyond the walls of their home.