Los Angeles, Calif. — The tragic deaths of music supervisor Robin Kaye and her musician husband, Tom DeLuca, have shaken the San Fernando Valley community. The couple’s $4.5 million home in Encino became a crime scene on Thursday when they unwittingly interrupted a burglary, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in their deaths.
On Tuesday, authorities arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the case. Meanwhile, questions swirl regarding the circumstances surrounding the couple’s demise, particularly the police response leading up to their discovery. Law enforcement officials indicated that shortly before the couple was killed, a witness reported seeing someone climbing over the fence at their home. Officers were dispatched around 4 p.m. that day, but upon arriving, they found no signs of distress and left the scene shortly thereafter.
According to LAPD Lt. Guy Golan, Boodarian had been inside the house for about half an hour when Kaye and DeLuca returned. A violent struggle ensued, culminating in their deaths from multiple gunshot wounds. Police later confirmed that the couple was shot multiple times in an act described as “ruthless.”
Despite a noted decline in crime rates citywide, a series of recent violent burglaries have left residents in the area on high alert. Notably, this incident mirrors a troubling trend where past 911 calls regarding similar crimes did not result in immediate action from authorities. In two previous cases, individuals were murdered in their homes even after neighbors reported disturbances to police.
In one case, Menashe Hidra’s body was discovered only after officers were alerted to a struggle, but they failed to locate the victim on their first visit. Similarly, Aleksandre Modebadze was found beaten to death hours after another 911 caller reported a break-in but received no initial police response. These incidents raise significant concerns about police protocol in urgent situations.
The LAPD is currently investigating the actions of officers involved in the case of Kaye and DeLuca, particularly focusing on why their bodies were not found sooner. Golan pointed out that the entryway of the victims’ home was obscured from view, complicating the officer’s assessment during the initial call.
Following a wellness check on Monday, officers accessed the home through a gate code provided to them and found evidence of a struggle, prompting them to forcibly enter the house. Upon entering, they discovered the couple’s bodies, both aged 70, and paramedics pronounced them dead at the scene.
Investigators obtained security footage showing Boodarian entering the property on the day of the incident, which, along with forensic evidence, has led to his charges. A handgun believed to have been used in the crime has not yet been recovered.
Kaye, who served as the music supervisor for “American Idol” from 2009 until 2023, worked on nearly 300 episodes, contributing significantly to shows including several “Miss Universe” specials and NAACP Image Awards. DeLuca, a singer-songwriter, gained recognition for his 1986 album “Down to the Wire” and had released “Street Rock” in 2022.
In a tribute, a representative for “American Idol” expressed the grief felt by the team and remembered Kaye as an integral part of the show’s family. They described her as “truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her” and extended condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Despite a reported 20% decline in homicides across Los Angeles in 2023, the shocking nature of this double homicide has reignited discussions surrounding safety and criminal activity in the area. Community members continue to grapple with feelings of unease as they mourn the untimely loss of a beloved couple.