A 22-year-old individual has been taken into custody concerning the killings of Robin Kaye, a music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, Thomas DeLuca. Their bodies were discovered in their Encino, California, residence after what authorities described as a lethal confrontation during a break-in.

Raymond Boodarian is facing charges related to the deaths of Kaye and DeLuca, both aged 70, who were found during a welfare check on July 15, 2025. Neighbors had not heard from them for four days. The couple’s bodies were located with gunshot wounds to the head, with Kaye found in the pantry and DeLuca in the bathroom of their $4.5 million home.

Critical evidence from surveillance footage at the victims’ home led to Boodarian’s arrest. Investigators stated the murders occurred on July 10, 2025, when the suspect reportedly scaled the property’s fence and entered through an unlocked sliding glass door. Kaye and DeLuca returned home approximately 30 minutes later, resulting in a fatal encounter.

LAPD Lt. Guy Golan reported that a handgun was discovered in the suspect’s residence, which may be the murder weapon, pending forensic analysis. The lieutenant mentioned that a confrontation had occurred, leading to the victims sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

The property, described by investigators as highly secured, was enclosed by an eight-foot wall topped with security spikes and featured surveillance cameras. Despite these measures, the perpetrator accessed an unsecured entry point. Officers were called to the site on July 11 after receiving reports of a man jumping fences in the area, but left when no one responded and nothing seemed suspicious.

Blood was discovered in the home’s entryway, and a window was broken. The residence did not appear to have been ransacked, suggesting the event was not a typical burglary. The property was previously owned by rapper Juice WRLD, who passed away in 2019, before Kaye and DeLuca purchased it for approximately $4.5 million in 2023.

Boodarian has a history of criminal activities involving violence with family members. Over a year ago, he was charged with battery and exhibiting a deadly weapon, but these charges were dismissed. Court documents indicated he was deemed mentally incompetent three months before the dismissal. Additional charges included brandishing a knife and making threats against his stepfather in 2023, and battery against his mother and sister in 2024. All three cases were dismissed in late 2024.

Criminal defense attorney Lou Shapiro discussed how California’s legal system might have influenced the suspect’s release. He noted a separate court for individuals with mental health issues. While most people fare well through this process, this case may reflect the system’s shortcomings.

Kaye worked as a music supervisor on American Idol for 15 seasons, starting in 2009, earning multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. Her work also included “Lip Sync Battle,” Miss USA, and Miss Universe productions. Her husband, DeLuca, was a musician.

An American Idol spokesperson expressed devastation over the deaths, stating that Kaye had been a cornerstone of the Idol family and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. The spokesperson noted that “Robin will remain in our hearts forever.”

The Encino, California, neighborhood has recently experienced a series of break-ins and burglaries. In late May 2025, actor Anthony Anderson’s home was broken into during a charity event. A week later, a jewelry store in the area was targeted, with burglars using blowtorches to access a safe.

LAPD Captain Mike Bland stressed the importance of basic security measures, emphasizing the need to secure all windows and doors. He noted that surveillance video is often a crucial tool for identifying suspects, especially when the footage is of high quality and compatible with facial recognition technology.

Boodarian was charged on Thursday, July 17, with murder and burglary counts.

Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing as they attempt to determine any connection between Boodarian and the couple.