ENCINO, Cali. (KTLA) — Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department have confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man in connection to the fatal shooting of an “American Idol” executive and her husband in Encino.
Police identified the victims as Robin Kaye, 70, and Thomas Deluca, 70, who were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds, including to the head, on July 14. Officers made the discovery after responding to the upscale residence for a welfare check at about 2:30 p.m., as stated in an LAPD news release.
Detectives discovered during their investigation that a call reporting a possible burglary at the residence had been placed on July 10 at around 4 p.m.
Speaking with Nexstar’s KTLA, neighbor Amee Faggen confirmed that a renter on her property made a 911 call that day after spotting someone climbing the property’s fence.
Police said there were no signs of forced entry or trouble at the residence during that investigation, though they now believe the suspect, identified as Encino resident Raymond Boodarian, entered the home through an unlocked door.
“He was there for approximately half of an hour,” LAPD Lt. Guy Golan said at a news conference. “When the homeowners returned back to their residence, a violent struggle ensued between them and the suspect, who was already inside their home, which resulted in the victims tragically losing their lives.”
The 22-year-old, according to police, fled the area on foot after the deadly confrontation.
LAPD, with the assistance of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force, arrested Boodarian Tuesday, though no information about where he was taken into custody was provided.
Kaye was an award-winning music producer and part of the “American Idol” family since 2009. She had also worked on Miss Universe, the NAACP Image Awards, and other high-profile shows.
A spokesperson for “American Idol” released a statement to KTLA, saying:
“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 into contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathies with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Guy Cohen, a security expert, had worked with the couple only a few months ago after Kaye and Deluca were victims of an earlier home invasion.
“We consulted with them just a couple of months ago, and to think that maybe we could’ve prevented this from happening is just heartbreaking,” he told KTLA.
While police have not yet identified a motive, investigators are attempting to determine whether Boodarian had any connection to the couple and if he was involved in any of the past calls for service at the residence.
The investigation into the double homicide remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD’s Valley Homicide Division at 818-374-9550. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.
