The entertainment industry was left in shock in July 2025 after the tragic deaths of a respected music executive and her husband in Encino, Los Angeles. The couple, Robin Kaye and Thomas “Tom” Deluca, were found dead in their home in what authorities later confirmed was a double homicide.
Both were admired figures within creative circles, known not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their kindness, mentorship, and decades-long contributions to music and television.
How the Tragedy Was Discovered
On July 14, 2025, Los Angeles police were asked to conduct a welfare check at a residence on White Oak Avenue after friends and neighbors grew concerned when the couple stopped responding to calls and messages.
When officers arrived, they noticed troubling signs near the entrance, including visible blood outside the home. With no response from inside, police forced entry and discovered two bodies. Paramedics pronounced both victims dead at the scene. Each had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The case was immediately classified as a double homicide, and homicide detectives began an intensive investigation.
Who the Victims Were
Robin Kaye, 70, was a highly respected television music supervisor, best known for her work on American Idol. From 2009 to 2023, she played a critical behind-the-scenes role in shaping the show’s musical identity, overseeing song selection, licensing, and coordination across hundreds of episodes.
Her husband, Tom Deluca, also 70, was a musician and songwriter with a long-standing passion for music. He released his own work and collaborated with other artists throughout his career.
Together, they were regarded as generous, creative, and deeply committed to their craft and community.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the discovery, investigators reviewed surveillance footage and forensic evidence that led them to a suspect. On July 15, 2025, police arrested 22-year-old Encino resident Raymond Boodarian.
Authorities believe Boodarian entered the couple’s home on July 10 during a suspected burglary attempt. When Kaye and Deluca unexpectedly returned, a confrontation allegedly occurred, ending with both victims being shot. The suspect then fled the scene.
Boodarian was later located and arrested at his residence. He was charged with two counts of murder, including special circumstances, along with residential burglary.
Court Developments
In November 2025, a judge ruled that Boodarian was mentally incompetent to stand trial at that time. Criminal proceedings were paused, and he was ordered to undergo treatment at a state psychiatric facility until competency could potentially be restored. Additional court hearings remain pending.
Remembering Robin Kaye’s Legacy
Kaye’s career extended far beyond music selection. As a music supervisor, she worked closely with artists, producers, and networks to shape the emotional tone of television programming. Her influence on American Idol helped define the sound of one of the most culturally significant shows of its era.
She also held leadership roles within the Guild of Music Supervisors and received multiple professional honors. Colleagues consistently described her as supportive, collaborative, and deeply respected.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of the tragedy, tributes flooded social media from musicians, television professionals, and former American Idol contestants. Many remembered Kaye as a calming presence during intense production moments and someone who genuinely cared about the people she worked with.
In an official statement, American Idol representatives called her a foundational member of the show’s family and expressed deep sorrow for the loss of both Kaye and Deluca.
Impact on the Community
Beyond the entertainment world, the couple’s deaths deeply affected the Encino community. Friends and neighbors described them as warm and approachable. It later emerged that they had recently discussed increasing home security following a prior break-in attempt—an especially painful detail in hindsight.
The case sparked renewed conversations about safety, even in affluent neighborhoods long considered secure.
Ongoing Questions
While charges have been filed, investigators continue to examine whether earlier incidents, including a burglary report made earlier that month, are connected to the fatal encounter. Authorities have suggested the crime may have been random, but the investigation remains ongoing.
A Legacy Beyond Tragedy
Robin Kaye and Tom Deluca are remembered not for the violence that ended their lives, but for the creativity, generosity, and impact they left behind. Kaye’s contributions to television music and Deluca’s devotion to artistic expression continue to resonate within the industry.
As legal proceedings move forward, colleagues and loved ones choose to honor their memory by celebrating the lives they lived, the careers they shaped, and the human connections they forged—legacies that remain far stronger than the tragedy itself.
