A tragic incident in Encino, California, has left the entertainment industry in mourning after a respected American Idol music executive and her husband were killed in their home during a burglary. Police say the couple were shot and killed after returning home and interrupting the intruder.
What Happened to Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca?
On Monday, July 15, 2025, Los Angeles police conducted a welfare check at the home of Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, both 70, in the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue. Concerned family members contacted police after not hearing from the couple for several days.
When officers arrived, they found both Kaye and Deluca dead inside the home. According to police, both had multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives now believe that the couple was killed after they interrupted a burglary in progress inside their home.
Burglary Suspect Identified and Arrested
Following an investigation and review of surveillance footage, police identified 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian as the suspect. They believe Boodarian entered the couple’s home through an unlocked door last Thursday and was inside when the couple returned. A confrontation took place, which turned deadly.
Just days earlier, a neighbor reported suspicious activity, telling police she saw someone jumping the fence into the Kaye-Deluca property. Officers responded but found no signs of forced entry at the time and closed the case. Now, detectives say that report may have been a missed opportunity to prevent the tragedy.
Robin Kaye Reported Feeling Unsafe
Adding another layer to the tragedy, Kaye had reportedly reached out to a security firm just weeks before her death, fearing for her safety.
“She felt threatened by somebody around the home or in the neighborhood,” said Kris Herzog, owner of The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, to KNBC. The couple had also been previously targeted in an earlier home invasion, according to local reports.
Police have not yet revealed whether Boodarian knew the couple or if the home was randomly targeted.
Who Was Robin Kaye?
Robin Kaye was a veteran music supervisor known for her long-running work on American Idol, where she served behind the scenes since 2009. Her IMDB profile includes other notable credits such as Hollywood Game Night, Lip Sync Battle, and several Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
A spokesperson for American Idol released a heartfelt statement following her death:
“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.”
This horrifying event has not only robbed two people of their lives but also raised serious concerns about neighborhood safety and response times to reported threats. Robin Kaye was a respected figure in the television world, and her tragic end alongside her husband is a loss felt far beyond their quiet Encino neighborhood.
As police continue their investigation, the community mourns a couple who were taken far too soon — all because they happened to walk into their home at the wrong time.
