Police have shared new details about the man accused of killing American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
The couple, both 70 years old, were found dead in their Encino, California home on July 14.
The Context
Kaye had been a longtime employee of American Idol and famously obtained permission from Led Zeppelin for contestant Adam Lambert to perform "Whole Lotta Love" in 2009, per The Hollywood Reporter.
"We always were talking about Led Zeppelin because everybody knew that we couldn't do Led Zeppelin," Kaye said at the time. "I think Adam brought it up and I said, 'No, you can't do it.' When we started really seeing how talented Adam was, I had a feeling they would consider him. I couldn't have asked them just in general 'let us do it this year.' They wouldn't have said yes, but it made sense with Adam."
She added: "It's always worth asking. I never take a 'no' from anybody as a permanent 'no.' This business changes too much and situations change."
What To Know
Suspect Raymond Boodarian allegedly used Kaye and Deluca's own gun to shoot them inside their home before calling 911 on his own cellphone, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office told Newsweek. Even so, it took four days for their bodies to be discovered.
The District Attorney's Office said: "As this remains an active investigation and pending court matter, we are unable to share additional details at this time."
According to a news release, a radio call about a possible burglary was made on July 10 at around 4 p.m. local time. Although "there were no signs of forced entry or trouble," it is believed Boodarian accessed the property through an unlocked door while the couple was at a grocery store. The pair returned home when Boodarian was inside their residence, and a "confrontation ensued," which resulted in their deaths.
Boodarian was arrested on July 15 and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree burglary. Local jail records obtained by Newsweek show a man of the same name and description with previous misdemeanors from 2023 and 2024.
During a public safety meeting hosted by the Encino Neighborhood Council on Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, per NBC News: "Mr. Boodarian got caught because he used his cellphone to contact police concerning the situation, actually identified himself by name. Police were able to ping the cellphone, find out where he lived, go to his residence and arrest him.
He added of the weapon found at the scene: "It was Robyn and Tom's gun. It wasn't [Boodarian's] gun. It was exceptionally tragic."
What People Are Saying
An American Idol spokesperson previously said in a statement to Newsweek: "We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom's, passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time."
Former American Idol judge Randy Jackson wrote on Instagram on July 16: "Rest in peace, Robin. She was a dear friend to me and to so many—judges, executives, contestants, publishers, writers, producers, and artists alike. Robin consistently went the extra mile, meticulously ensuring songs were placed and cleared for the show. She was truly one of a kind. Forever loved and deeply appreciated."
What Happens Next
Boodarian is currently being held without bail, and his next court hearing is set for August 20.
