It had been an uneventful Thursday morning in Encino when the drama had begun, but week’s end found the city shaken to its foundation by the unexpected demise of Robin Kaye, beloved music supervisor of “American Idol,” and her husband, award-winning singer-songwriter Tom DeLuca. The 70-year-old couple were found on July 14 after a welfare call to their gated and secure residence four days since their last having been confirmed as alive. News that has come out since is as heartbreaking as it is chilling.
The chronology, compiled by the LAPD, is one of unholy escalation. Police were dispatched to the couple’s White Oak Avenue home on July 10 on two occasions on reports of a suspected break-in. A witness called police after seeing someone jump a fence, and a helicopter hovered over the neighborhood, but officers found no sign of a forced entry and left the scene. The home, which is surrounded by 8-foot walls topped with spikes and has security cameras, was impenetrable-looking. But later CCTV footage revealed 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian climbing over the fence and going in through an unlocked door, ABC News reported.
Boodarian, a known local with a misdemeanor criminal record and past arrests for battery and weapons offenses, had been in there for approximately 30 minutes when Kaye and DeLuca came in. The altercation turned violent. The couple, discovered in two different rooms, each suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The suspect ran on foot, abandoning the scene so gruesome that even seasoned detectives were left agog (Los Angeles Times).
The couple was described as “really nice people” by their neighbors, and one remembered an earlier attempted break-in a month ago, which was only prevented by the barking of the couple’s canines (ABC7). The LAPD is now looking into whether there was earlier activity at the residence by Boodarian.
The arrest came swiftly after the discovery. Boodarian was identified using facial recognition technology and surveillance video, and taken into custody at his nearby residence without incident. Police have yet to recover the murder weapon or establish a clear motive, but they believe the crime was random and not linked to any organized burglary ring.“We’re looking into multiple avenues on what the motive may be,” LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told ABC News.
This tragedy is being most remembered for highlighting an alarming trend: California has experienced an epidemic of high-profile home invasions, even in some subdivisions with opulent security. Simple steps keeping doors locked, at least putting up obvious cameras, and being receptive to friendly communication with neighbors are suggested by experts to prevent such tragedies (ABC7).
The passing of Robin Kaye is a personal loss for “American Idol” viewers. Kaye was bigger than a back-stage presence she was the sound architect of the show, in charge of clearing music rights and building the soundtrack that grabbed a generation on TV. Her 16-year stint on “Idol” started in 2009, and she was a three-time Guild of Music Supervisors Award winner, who was praised for her versatility on programs like “Lip Sync Battle,” “Hollywood Game Night,” and the Miss Universe pageants (Times of India). From Nashville to Los Angeles, and from recording with Waylon Jennings to starting her own company, SyncroniCity, her path inspired many in the business.
“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,” an “American Idol” spokesperson said to Deadline. “Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
The investigation is underway, with authorities imploring anyone who may have information to come forward. In the meantime, the Encino neighborhood and the wider world of TV music bids a sad farewell to two larger-than-life figures whose music will be heard for years to come after the doors to their home are closed.
