Tragedy Strikes as ‘American Star’ Music Executive and Spouse Are Found Dead

The high-gloss world of the Los Angeles entertainment industry was plunged into mourning in July 2025 following the discovery of a double homicide that claimed the lives of two of its most respected veterans. Robin Kaye, the longtime music supervisor for the cultural juggernaut American Idol, and her husband, musician Thomas “Tom” Deluca, were found shot to death in their Encino home—a senseless act of violence that has left colleagues, neighbors, and artists struggling to reconcile the couple’s gentle lives with their brutal end. Both age 70, the couple was discovered on July 14, 2025, after a welfare check was initiated by friends who had grown increasingly alarmed by several days of uncharacteristic silence.

A Grim Discovery on White Oak Avenue

The investigation began mid-afternoon when Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers arrived at the couple’s upscale residence on White Oak Avenue. The scene was immediately concerning; officers observed blood outside the property, prompting an emergency forced entry.

Inside the home, police discovered the bodies of Kaye and Deluca, both of whom had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced them dead at the scene. The quiet, residential neighborhood, long considered a sanctuary for industry professionals seeking a reprieve from the Hollywood grind, was quickly transformed into a forensic crime scene.

The Architects of Sound: Remembering the Victims

Robin Kaye was far more than a name in the closing credits of a hit show. As a premier music supervisor, she was an architect of emotion, responsible for the complex task of selecting and clearing the music that defined American Idol from 2009 to 2023. Across nearly 300 episodes, Kaye mentored aspiring stars and navigated the intricate legal and creative webs of the music business with a legendary calming presence.

“Robin was a cornerstone of the ‘Idol’ family,” a spokesperson for the show said in a heartfelt statement. “She was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her.”

Her husband, Tom Deluca, was a kindred spirit in the creative world. A songwriter and artist, Deluca was known for his collaborative heart, having released his own albums and worked behind the scenes to bolster the careers of fellow musicians. Together, the pair represented a rare Hollywood success story: a 70-year-old couple still deeply engaged in their craft and in each other.

The Suspect and a Suspended Legal Path

The manhunt following the discovery was swift. Using surveillance footage and forensic leads, LAPD detectives arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian on July 15. Authorities allege that Boodarian was inside the home during a burglary attempt on July 10 when the couple returned. A confrontation ensued, resulting in the fatal shootings. Boodarian fled, leaving the house locked behind him, which explains why the bodies were not discovered for several days.

However, the path to justice has faced a significant legal hurdle. In November 2025, a judge declared Boodarian incompetent to stand trial, citing acute mental health concerns. Criminal proceedings have been suspended, and Boodarian has been committed to a state psychiatric hospital for treatment in hopes of restoring his competency to face two counts of murder with special circumstances.

A Community Shaken

The tragedy has ignited a conversation about safety in Encino’s affluent corridors. Poignantly, friends revealed that the couple had recently discussed upgrading their home security following a previous, unrelated break-in attempt.

For many, the “random” nature of the crime is the most unsettling element. Law enforcement officials have indicated there was no prior connection between Boodarian and the victims, labeling the encounter a tragic chance meeting during a residential burglary.

The Enduring Echoes of a Legacy

While the courtroom drama remains in limbo, the industry has chosen to focus on the couple’s living legacy. From the Guild of Music Supervisors to the hundreds of American Idol contestants whose performances Kaye helped shape, the tributes remain consistent: they remember a couple defined by kindness, technical mastery, and an open-door policy for young artists.

As the legal system waits for a resolution, the music world is left with a profound void. Robin Kaye and Tom Deluca did not just work in music; they lived it, and their influence will continue to echo through the songs they helped bring to the world’s stage.