Los Angeles police have arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the murders of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, according to a news release. The couple, both 70 years old, were found dead in their Encino home on Monday with gunshot wounds.
Newsweek contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and American Idol via email outside regular working hours for comment.
The Context
American Idol premiered in June 2002. On the reality television series, contestants showcase their singing talents in front of judges in hopes of winning a record deal grand prize. The show’s first winner was Kelly Clarkson, and most recently, Jamal Roberts earned the coveted title.
In addition to American Idol, Kaye worked on other competition shows including Lip Sync Battle, The Singing Bee and Hollywood Game Night, as well as the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, the Associated Press reported.
Robin Kaye/Facebook
What To Know
A radio call for a possible burglary was made on July 10 at approximately 4 p.m. local time. Boodarian is believed to have accessed the property through an unlocked door while Kaye and Deluca were away, though they returned while he was in their home.
At that point, a “confrontation ensued,” and the victims “succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds,” the news release stated. Boodarian “fled from the residence on foot.”
Police were first alerted by a resident who hadn’t heard from Kaye and Deluca for several days.
Who Is Raymond Boodarian?
Boodarian was arrested on Tuesday, with the charge level listed as “felony,” according to local jail records obtained by Newsweek.
He is described as having brown hair, black eyes and weighing 151 pounds.
Local jail records show a man of the same name and description with previous misdemeanors. Arrest dates are listed as 25 June, 2024, February 6, 2024 and October 22, 2023.
What People Are Saying
An American Idol spokesperson said in a statement, per The Associated Press: “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.”
What Happens Next
The LAPD said the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are still looking into whether Boodarian knew Kaye and Deluca.
Authorities are asking for anyone with information about the incident to contact Operations-Valley homicide at 818-374-9550. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be made to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
