Music Supervisor Robin Kaye and Rocker Husband Thomas Deluca Murdered in Home Invasion at Encino Mansion
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Robin Kaye, a renowned music supervisor known for her work on American Idol, and her husband, rocker Thomas Deluca, were murdered during a suspected home invasion at their $4.5 million residence in Encino, California. Both were 70 years old.
According to law enforcement, the fatal incident occurred on July 10, the same day police responded to a reported burglary at the couple’s home. A confrontation allegedly unfolded between the couple and the suspect, resulting in both victims being shot multiple times in the head. Their bodies were not discovered until four days later, on July 14, during a welfare check requested at approximately 2:30 p.m. Paramedics pronounced the couple dead at the scene—Kaye was found in the pantry, and Deluca in the bathroom.
The suspect, 22-year-old Encino resident Raymond Boodarian, was arrested without incident on July 15. He was charged on July 17 with two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary with a person present. The charges include special circumstance allegations of committing multiple murders and committing murder during a burglary, as well as firearm allegations. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is still considering whether to pursue the death penalty.
Boodarian has a documented criminal history involving charges such as battery, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and criminal threats with intent to terrorize. These charges were previously dismissed following court proceedings related to mental competency and conservatorship.
In a chilling revelation, private security expert and former police officer Kris Herzog claimed that Kaye had reached out earlier this year about increasing home security due to a rise in neighborhood burglaries. Herzog said he warned her that reliance on home security cameras could offer a false sense of safety. “The most dangerous thing in your home is your camera system or alarm… It’s never gonna save your life. It’s only going to record your death,” he stated.
Herzog said he had advised Kaye to keep bear spray or pepper ball guns in the home. She reportedly thanked him but did not follow up. “This is the first time in my career that what I predicted actually happened,” he lamented.
Herzog also pointed out a critical lapse in LAPD response. Days before the discovery of the bodies, officers reportedly responded to a burglary call at the same residence, following a neighbor’s tip that a suspect had jumped a wall and possibly entered the home. Police circled the house, called in a helicopter, but ultimately left after failing to see signs of forced entry. According to Herzog, LAPD’s policy of requiring “overwhelming probable cause” to enter a residence may have delayed the discovery of the crime.
“There was no forced entry. The door was left open. The alarm was turned off. And he walked right in,” Herzog claimed.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not publicly responded to these allegations.
Kaye was a pivotal figure in the entertainment industry, contributing to nearly 300 episodes of American Idol from 2009 to 2023. Her work also spanned shows like The Singing Bee, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the NAACP Image Awards, and various Miss Universe specials. Deluca gained fame for his 1986 album Down to the Wire, with his latest release, Street Rock, debuting in 2022.
In a statement, American Idol described Kaye as “a cornerstone of the Idol family,” adding, “Robin was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. She will remain in our hearts forever.”
Boodarian is currently being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center on Bauchet Street in Los Angeles and is expected to be transferred to a county jail facility in the coming days.
Comments