Additional Coverage:
- ‘American Idol’ exec and husband’s cause of death confirmed as details of couple’s final moments revealed (foxnews.com)
Tragedy struck the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles when “American Idol” music executive Robin Kaye, 70, and her husband, Thomas DeLuca, 70, were found deceased in their home on July 14th. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds, ruling the deaths a homicide.
The couple’s bodies were discovered after a friend, concerned about not hearing from them for several days, requested a welfare check. Police found signs of forced entry and discovered the couple inside.
Tragically, this incident followed a near-miss with law enforcement earlier that same day. Police had responded to a neighbor’s call about a possible intruder scaling the couple’s fence, but left approximately 25 minutes before Kaye and DeLuca returned home.
Shortly after their return, a second 911 call was made from inside their home. The caller, believed to be the suspect, made panicked statements including “someone broke into my office” and “don’t shoot me.” GPS data placed the call within the couple’s residence.
Investigators believe the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, scaled a fence and entered the home through an unlocked door. A struggle ensued upon the couple’s arrival, resulting in their deaths.
Boodarian fled the scene on foot but was apprehended on July 15th. He has yet to enter a plea and is undergoing a mental competency hearing, with a court date set for September 3rd.
This double homicide has shaken the Encino community, sparking concerns about rising crime rates. Residents gathered at a town hall meeting on July 21st to voice their fears and demand increased police presence.
Poignantly, Kaye and DeLuca had attended a similar community safety meeting the night before their deaths, highlighting the growing anxieties in the neighborhood. Police have pledged to increase patrols in the area following the tragedy.