American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and husband Thomas Deluca were killed in a shooting at their California home on July 14.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly that male and female victims were found dead with possible gunshot wounds in their Encino home. Kaye and Deluca’s names weren’t released until later. They were both 70 years old at the time of the murders.

“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing,” an American Idol spokesperson said in a statement to Us. “Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”

A press release from the LAPD confirmed on July 15 that a suspect was arrested in connection with the murders.

While many budding musicians got their big breaks on the American Idol stage through the years, a handful lost their lives not long afterward. Nikki McKibbin, who appeared alongside Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on season 1, died in November 2020 at the age of 42. The Fear Factor alum, who finished in third place on the competition’s debut season […]

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Who Were Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca?

Kaye worked as a music supervisor on American Idol for more than a decade prior to her death. Deluca, meanwhile, was signed by Epic Records in Los Angeles in the ‘90s as a solo music artist.

How Did Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca Die?

After receiving a request for a welfare check, authorities went to Kaye and Deluca’s home. The caller stated that they had not heard from the residents in “several days,” an LAPD press release revealed. Police found both Kaye and Deluca dead on the scene after entering the home.

“While there were no signs of forced entry or trouble at the location during that investigation, it is now believed that the suspect had gained entry into the residence through an unlocked door,” the press release read. “The victims returned home while the suspect was inside their residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives. The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.”

What Are Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s Causes of Death?

Both Kaye and Deluca died from multiple gunshot wounds, a death certificate obtained by People on August 25 revealed.

Deluca died almost immediately after being shot, while Kaye’s death took minutes, the publication reported. Their manner of death was listed as homicide.

Was Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s House Burglarized?

Four days before their deaths, police confirmed that they investigated a possible burglary at Kaye and Deluca’s home.

On July 31, People reported that Kaye shared her fears about neighborhood break-ins during a town council meeting weeks before the fatal incident. The couple also attended a Community Police Advisory Board meeting one day before their deaths, according to the outlet. At the meeting, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reportedly addressed the surge of break-ins and crime around the area of where Kaye and Deluca lived.

When Were Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca Killed?

People confirmed on July 17 that Kaye and Deluca were killed on July 10 — four days before their bodies were found. It was previously reported that LAPD responded to reports of a burglary that day.

Since American Idol premiered in June 2002, the show, its judges and contestants have become the subject of numerous scandals and controversies. Prior to the days of voting by app for your favorite contestant, fans reported an unfair voting system during season 1 of American Idol when about 100 people used auto-dialing technology to reportedly […]

Was There an Arrest in Connection With Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s Deaths?

Yes, the LAPD arrested Encino resident Raymond Boodarian in connection with the deaths. A press release from law enforcement stated that “investigators are attempting to determine whether Boodarian has any connection to Deluca and Kaye.”

Boodarian appeared in court on July 17, where he was charged with two counts of murder and a count of residential burglary, per ABC7. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 20.

Is There an Investigation Into Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s Deaths?

LAPD has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and asked for anyone with information regarding the deaths to speak out.

How Did Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s Murder Suspect Find the Weapons?

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a Monday, July 21, town hall meeting that the suspect reportedly shot Kaye and Deluca with their own gun, per CBS News. The suspect allegedly found the weapon inside after breaking into the home, according to the outlet.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that the accused man then called the police on himself, using his cell phone and providing his name.

Is the Suspect on Trial for Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s Deaths?

Boodarian appeared in court on August 20 for his initial hearing on murder and burglary charges, per Billboard. Boodarian was unresponsive in court and Judge Martin L. Herscovitz suspended the criminal prosecution. The judge stated there was a “doubt as to [the] defendant’s mental competency.” He ordered Boodarian to appear in mental health court on September 3 for competency review.