A shocking crime has emerged from a quiet neighborhood in Los Angeles where Robin Kaye, a music supervisor known for her work on ‘American Idol’, and her husband Thomas Deluca were found deceased. As per the prosecutors’ reports, the weapon used in this heinous act was actually theirs.
Both in their 70s, Robin and Thomas met a violent end at their home during a welfare check carried out on July 14. Kaye was a part of the ‘American Idol’ team since 2009, and her contributions were significant to the show’s success.
Authorities revealed that the couple had multiple gunshot wounds, tragically including shots to the head. Initial reports suggest that they may have been killed four days prior; this period coincides with a 911 call made by someone who thought a burglary was happening at their Encino address.
The 22-year-old suspect, Raymond Boodarian, has been charged with murder and burglary. He allegedly climbed over a fence, entered through an unlocked door, and was waiting for the couple when they returned from grocery shopping.
It was later confirmed that the gun found at Boodarian’s home belonged to the victims. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman noted, “It was Robin and Tom’s gun. It’s exceptionally tragic that a gun belonging to them was used to end their lives.”
Boodarian was arrested the day after the discovery of the couple’s bodies and is facing multiple charges including two counts of murder and residential burglary. He remains in custody without bail, with a court hearing expected on August 20.
Interestingly, it was this suspect’s own call to the police that eventually led officers to him. “He got caught because he reached out to police worrying about the situation,” Hochman explained. This connection allowed police to locate him through his cellphone.
Prior to the police intervention, the LAPD had fielded two 911 calls regarding the Deluca residence on July 10 concerning suspected burglary. The reports stemmed from a neighbor and at least one subsequent call from someone claiming to be inside. However, as police tried to follow up, the callers were unreachable and police couldn’t gain entry into the fortified home at that time.
Deputy Chief Marla Ciuffetelli of LAPD mentioned they are reviewing the initial response and how they can improve moving forward. They are committed to adjusting their tactics to be more effective in such situations in the future.
In response to the tragic killings, LAPD Capt. Michael Bland assured the community that increased patrols would be implemented in Encino immediately. “This incident is not something we take lightly,” he assured the expected crowd.
