In a tragic and shocking incident that has reverberated through the music and television industry, Robin Kaye—an executive well-known for her work on American Idol—and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found murdered inside their luxurious Los Angeles home.
The double homicide occurred in the affluent neighborhood of Encino, California, and police reports have confirmed that both victims were shot in the head in separate rooms of the residence. The couple, both 70 years old, were prominent figures in their respective fields, and their untimely deaths have left a deep void in the entertainment community.
Their Encino property, worth $5 million and previously owned by the late rapper Juice WRLD, became the scene of the gruesome crime. A welfare check by authorities led to the grim discovery of the couple’s lifeless bodies on July 14. According to TMZ, the home was being used as a rental property before being purchased by the couple in 2023.
While the community reels from the shocking details, Los Angeles police have arrested a suspect, identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian of Encino, who allegedly attempted to burglarize the home when the fatal confrontation occurred.
The Life and Legacy of Robin Kaye
Robin Kaye was a veteran music supervisor and an instrumental part of the television show American Idol, where she served as a music supervisor for over 15 seasons. Her contribution to the show, which has launched the careers of countless artists, was significant and deeply respected in the industry. Beyond American Idol, Kaye was also the Vice President of the Guild of Music Supervisors and the president of her own company, SyncroniCity.
Her company was known for representing legendary artists and labels, including Andrea Bocelli, Kenny Loggins, Lang Lang, Donny Osmond, and Steven Bishop. Kaye’s influence and ability to connect music to visual storytelling made her a critical force in music supervision, especially in reality and music-intensive shows. She had an eye for talent and a passion for authentic musical expression, and she brought both to every project she touched.
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Kaye’s career began in Nashville, where she worked for country music icon Waylon Jennings. She later moved to Chicago and eventually settled in Los Angeles, where her career blossomed. She held high-ranking positions at MCA-Universal and Polygram Records before founding her own company. Her dedication, expertise, and leadership earned her widespread recognition and admiration within the music industry.
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In interviews, Kaye was described as passionate, articulate, and innovative. Her dedication to the craft of matching music with emotion and screen narrative made her one of the top professionals in her field. According to Pop Disciple, a site that profiled her work, she was a music industry veteran with decades of experience and a sharp vision for creative excellence.
Thomas Deluca: A Musician’s Journey from Nashville to Los Angeles
Thomas Deluca, Kaye’s husband, was a talented singer-songwriter whose music career began in Nashville. According to his website, Deluca hailed from Pittsburgh and moved to Los Angeles in the 1990s, where he signed with Epic Records. His first album, Down to the Wire, was produced by James Guthrie, known for his work with Pink Floyd. Another album, Street Rock, showcased Deluca’s unique style and musical voice.
Deluca’s music blended classic rock with emotional depth, and he had a devoted following among listeners who appreciated authentic songwriting. His bio describes him as an artist who was passionate about his music and grounded in the creative process. Like his wife, Deluca’s contribution to music was driven by his connection to the craft rather than commercial gain. He was more focused on telling stories through music than chasing fame, and that authenticity resonated with his fans.
Friends and colleagues of the couple often described them as deeply connected through their shared love of music. Their home was a hub for creativity and conversation, and their long-standing marriage stood as a testament to their mutual support and devotion. Deluca was not just a performer—he was also a composer and lyricist who poured his soul into every note.
The loss of Deluca, alongside his wife, is especially devastating because it ends a beautiful chapter in American music history. Their lives were intertwined both personally and professionally, and their murder has not only left a family grieving but has also shaken the artistic community that valued their talent and contributions.
The Investigation and What We Know So Far
Authorities responded to a call for a welfare check on July 14, which led to the discovery of the bodies. Both Kaye and Deluca were found shot in the head in separate rooms of their Encino home. The Los Angeles Police Department quickly classified the case as a double homicide and launched an intensive investigation.
Police later arrested Raymond Boodarian, a 22-year-old from Encino, as the prime suspect in the murders. According to LAPD, Boodarian was allegedly attempting to burglarize the couple’s residence when the two unexpectedly arrived home. A confrontation ensued, leading to the fatal shootings. Investigators are still trying to determine if Boodarian had any prior connection to the victims or their property.
This was not the first suspicious incident at the home. TMZ reported that just a week before the murders, an unidentified person was seen attempting to break into the couple’s residence and may have been armed. It is not yet clear whether that incident is connected to the double homicide, but the timing has raised questions about the couple’s safety in the days leading up to their deaths.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the Encino neighborhood, known for its upscale homes and low crime rate. Many residents expressed disbelief that such a violent crime could occur in what is typically considered a safe area. Neighbors described Kaye and Deluca as quiet, friendly, and deeply private. The couple had lived in the home for only about a year, after purchasing it from a previous tenant who rented it from the estate of rapper Juice WRLD.
Authorities are continuing to investigate, and more details are expected to emerge about how the suspect gained access to the home and whether the earlier attempted break-in was part of a larger pattern. In the meantime, law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The couple’s tragic death has sparked broader conversations about safety, even in affluent areas, and the potential vulnerability of high-profile individuals. While the suspect is now in custody, the impact of the crime will linger for the couple’s family, friends, and the community they helped build through music and mentorship.
The deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca represent a tremendous loss to the music and television industries. Their lives were defined by creativity, passion, and a shared love of artistry that enriched the lives of many. As the investigation into their murders unfolds, those who knew them mourn not only the violence that took their lives but the enduring legacy they leave behind.
From the stages of American Idol to the intimate setting of recording studios, the couple’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Robin Kaye’s work brought music to millions of viewers, and Thomas Deluca’s voice gave life to lyrics that touched the soul. Together, they crafted a life steeped in art, only to have it tragically cut short.
Their story serves as a somber reminder of life’s fragility, even for those who have seemingly found success and peace. The entertainment world mourns their loss, and as tributes pour in from colleagues and fans alike, it’s clear that Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca will not be forgotten.