American Idol Case Suspect Allegedly Hid Couple’s Gun Under Mattress After Incident

A quiet Encino neighborhood became the scene of a horrific crime when an American Idol music supervisor and her husband were killed in their home. The suspect, a young man with a troubled past, allegedly used the couple’s own gun and hid it under his mattress, leaving a community shaken and searching for answers.

A Deadly Break-In Unfolds

Robin Kaye, a longtime American Idol music supervisor, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70, had just returned from a grocery run. Their upscale Encino home, valued at $4.5 million, was supposed to be a safe haven. Instead, it became a crime scene when Raymond Boodarian, 22, allegedly broke in. Surveillance footage showed him scaling the front fence in broad daylight.

When Kaye and Deluca walked in, a violent confrontation ensued. Boodarian allegedly used the couple’s own gun to shoot them multiple times, killing them on the spot. He fled with the firearm, jewelry, and possibly their cell phone, tucking the gun into his waistband as he escaped. The couple’s bodies weren’t found until days later, after a friend requested a welfare check.

A Disturbing Cover-Up

Boodarian’s actions after the crime were chilling. He reportedly hid the stolen gun under his mattress at his nearby home, also in Encino. Authorities later recovered the weapon, confirming it belonged to Kaye and Deluca. The suspect’s boldness didn’t stop there—he allegedly called 911 from the couple’s home, pretending to be a resident, which helped police track him down when they pinged his cellphone.

The discovery of the bodies revealed a grim scene. Both victims had multiple gunshot wounds, with Deluca found in the bathroom and Kaye in the pantry. The home showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting Boodarian slipped in through an unlocked door. This detail has left neighbors uneasy, questioning their own security.

A Suspect’s Troubled State

Boodarian’s behavior has raised serious concerns. Neighbors described him as erratic, often wandering his apartment complex in a trance-like state, barefoot and incoherent. His public defender noted he was suicidal, and a judge delayed his arraignment to assess his mental fitness. A psychiatrist is now evaluating him, with a court date set for early September in Hollywood’s mental health court.

This isn’t Boodarian’s first brush with the law. He faced charges last year for battery, displaying a weapon, and making threats, but those were dismissed after he was placed in a conservatorship due to mental incompetence. His history has fueled debate about whether earlier intervention could have prevented this tragedy. If convicted, he faces life without parole or possibly the death penalty.

A Community in Mourning

The Encino community is reeling from the loss of Kaye and Deluca, beloved figures in the music world. Kaye, a veteran of American Idol since 2009, also worked on shows like Lip Sync Battle and Miss Universe. Deluca, a rock guitarist, was her partner in a life filled with music and creativity. Their deaths have left colleagues and neighbors devastated, with tributes pouring in for their contributions and kindness.

Residents voiced their fears at a town hall meeting, frustrated by a rise in local burglaries. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, called the murders “deeply personal,” stressing that safety failed the couple. The LAPD has since increased patrols and promised to review their response to two 911 calls made the day of the killings, which didn’t lead to immediate action.

Questions About Safety and Justice

The case has sparked broader concerns about home security and police response. Two 911 calls—one reporting a man jumping the fence, another from Boodarian himself—didn’t prompt officers to enter the home. The property’s high walls and locked gates made it hard to spot trouble, but the delay in finding the bodies has raised questions. Why didn’t police investigate further? Could faster action have saved lives?

As the investigation continues, the focus is on justice for Kaye and Deluca. The community is grappling with grief and a sense of vulnerability, pushing for answers and accountability. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and stronger safety measures, even in seemingly peaceful neighborhoods.