A Los Angeles man has been taken into custody following the grisly killing of “American Idol” music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70, inside their Encino home.
American Idol executive slain alongside husband
Police believe the double homicide occurred during a violent confrontation after the suspect broke into the couple’s residence.
Authorities identified the suspect as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, who was arrested Tuesday morning at his home in Encino, California.
According to LAPD Lieutenant Guy Golan, the arrest was made without incident.
“He was arrested from his place of residence. Over near the 19,000 block of Van Owen Street. He was arrested without incident,” Golan said.
“He did not provide any statements at this time, and investigators plan on filing charges for murder against him.”
The victims were discovered around 2:30 p.m. on Monday when officers were dispatched to the residence for a welfare check.
Upon arriving at the scene, LAPD officers spotted blood at the front entrance of the home.
Police could not breach home security
According to law enforcement, the house was “highly fortified,” featuring eight-foot walls with metal spikes, and a locked, spiked vehicle gate.
The security measures prevented officers from entering when they first responded to an earlier call on Thursday regarding a suspected burglary.
“It has seven, eight-foot-high walls with metal spikes that are welded onto the tips of the walls there. The vehicle gate was closed, also spiked,” Golan explained.
“They had no means of entering via gate code like they did on the date of the welfare check.”
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Investigators now believe that Boodarian may have entered the property through an unlocked door.
Police suspect the couple walked in on the suspect while he was still inside the house, triggering a deadly confrontation.
“The victims returned home while the suspect was inside their residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives,” LAPD said in a statement.
Both Kaye and Deluca were shot multiple times. After committing the murders, police say Boodarian fled the scene on foot.
Surveillance footage shows the intruder inside the residence for approximately 30 minutes.
Lieutenant Golan confirmed that surveillance video and forensic evidence recovered from the home played a critical role in identifying Boodarian.
Authorities expedited the analysis of that evidence to track down the suspect within 26 hours of the murders.
“We’re still investigating any possible motive. Right now, we have no connection linking the suspect with the victims,” Golan said.
Investigators are continuing to comb through surveillance footage and are canvassing the area to determine how Boodarian arrived at the home—whether by foot, car, bus, or rideshare service.
Police are also looking into any potential relationships or connections between the suspect and the victims.
Suspect who killed “American Idol” executive was a neighborhood nuisance
Despite the brutality of the attack, no clear motive has emerged. According to neighbors, Boodarian had a troubling history as a violent “junkie.”
Madlen Amrani, 80, who lives nearby, described the young man as someone who frequently caused problems in the community.
“We had a lot of problems with him because he’s taking drugs. Every now and then he would be outside high,” Amrani said. “The neighbors complained and they come and arrest him.”
Records show that Boodarian had several prior arrests, including charges of battery, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and making criminal threats.
In 2024, he was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial on those charges, which were later dismissed.
Forensic evidence and fingerprints collected at the crime scene matched Boodarian’s records from previous arrests, allowing authorities to link him to the double homicide.
Kaye’s role as a music supervisor on “American Idol” brought her recognition within the entertainment industry.
TMZ first reported her death, citing her long-standing involvement with the hit television competition.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the show responded to the tragic news:
“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,” the statement said.
“Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
As LAPD investigators work to finalize their case for submission to the district attorney, Boodarian remains in custody.
Authorities have indicated that they will be pursuing murder charges against him in connection with the brutal slaying of the couple.
