The tragic mystery surrounding the deaths of Robin Kaye, a beloved music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, has become clearer. Authorities have now revealed the official cause of their passing.
Both Kaye and Deluca, who were 70 years old, died from multiple bullet wounds. Their death certificates, which the publication People obtained on Monday, August 25, list the cause of death as homicide. The documents indicate that the couple tragically lost their lives on July 10, around 4:45 p.m. While Robin Kaye died minutes after being shot, her husband passed away almost instantly. Their bodies were discovered four days later, on July 14, inside their home in Encino, California.
Reports from outlets like Us Weekly confirmed the initial discovery of two victims at the Encino address last month, though their names were not released to the public at first. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) later issued a press release explaining that there were no signs of a break-in or forced entry at the couple’s residence. Detectives believe the suspect simply walked in through an unlocked door. The LAPD stated that Kaye and Deluca returned home to find the suspect already inside. A confrontation followed, leading to the suspect taking their lives. After the shootings, the suspect then fled the home on foot.
Just a day after these grim details emerged, the LAPD confirmed an arrest in the case. Raymond Boodarian, also an Encino resident, was taken into custody. Boodarian faced charges of two counts of murder and one count of residential robbery during his initial court appearance on July 17.
However, the legal proceedings took an unexpected turn during a second court appearance on August 20. Judge Martin L. Herscovitz noted "doubts about the defendant’s mental competence" after Boodarian appeared unresponsive. As a result, the criminal proceedings have been put on hold. Boodarian is scheduled to return to court for a mental competency review on September 3.
Adding another layer of shock to the case, a public assembly held on July 21, hosted by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, revealed a chilling detail: Kaye and Deluca were reportedly killed with their own firearm. The suspect allegedly found the weapon after entering the couple’s home. It was also reported that the suspect supposedly called the police following the incident.
The news hit the American Idol family hard. A representative for the show shared their grief with Us Weekly last month. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Robin and her beloved husband, Tom," the statement read. "Robin has been a vital pillar of the Idol family since 2009. Everyone who knew her truly loved and respected her. Robin will forever remain in our hearts, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."