‘American Idol’ Exec Murder: Police Miss Critical Window in Encino Tragedy

In a tragic turn of events, Robin Kaye, a prominent executive from 'American Idol,' and her husband, Thomas DeLuca, were brutally murdered in their Encino home on July 14. The couple returned to their residence just 25 minutes after police had cleared the scene following a reported suspicious activity, missing a critical window that might have saved their lives.

The timeline of this double homicide reveals a chilling sequence. On July 10, neighbors reported an individual scaling the fence of the couple’s fortified property, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), including a helicopter flyover. Despite the high walls and spiked gates, no signs of forced entry were evident at the time, and officers departed. Tragically, shortly after, Kaye and DeLuca arrived home, unaware of the danger lurking inside.

Investigators later discovered that the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, had entered through an unlocked door and waited inside for about 30 minutes before the fatal confrontation. A violent struggle ensued, leading to the couple’s deaths. Boodarian allegedly used the couple’s own firearm in the killings, a detail that adds a grim layer to this already heartbreaking story.

Community in Shock
The Encino neighborhood, where Kaye and DeLuca had sought safety, is reeling from the incident. At a recent town hall, residents voiced their fears, with many feeling vulnerable despite increased police patrols during night hours. The irony isn’t lost on anyone—Kaye and DeLuca had attended a neighborhood safety meeting just the night before their deaths, hoping to secure their peace of mind.

Boodarian, now charged with two counts of murder and first-degree burglary, faces the possibility of life without parole or even the death penalty. As this investigation unfolds, the community continues to grapple with a profound sense of loss and a pressing need for answers on how such a tragedy could occur under the nose of heightened security measures.