What seemed like just another peaceful day in Encino, California, turned into something out of a crime thriller.
New details have emerged in the shocking double murder of Robin Kaye, a well-known music supervisor from American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
The couple, both 70, were found dead in their home days after a brutal break-in that left their upscale neighborhood in disbelief.
Suspect Allegedly Used Couple’s Own Gun in Chilling Crime
According to investigators, Raymond Boodarian, 22, is the man suspected of carrying out the horrifying attack—and chillingly, he allegedly used the couple’s own registered firearm to do it.
During a community safety meeting, District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that Boodarian is believed to have taken the weapon from inside the home, calling the act “exceptionally tragic.”
A 911 Call and a Break-In Gone Horribly Wrong
Authorities now say Boodarian called 911 from his own phone during the incident on July 10, possibly trying to manipulate the situation.
Around 30 minutes after Kaye and Deluca had returned from grocery shopping, Boodarian is believed to have scaled a wall and entered their home through an unlocked door.
While neighbors had also alerted 911 to a possible break-in, officers weren’t able to access the property.
Even a police helicopter failed to spot visible signs of a crime.
LAPD officers left without ever making contact—four days later, on July 14, the couple’s family requested a welfare check.
That’s when their bodies were discovered in separate rooms, both victims shot multiple times, including in the head.
Police Now Investigating Their Own Response
LAPD officials are now reviewing how they handled the initial 911 calls.
Deputy Chief Marla Ciuffetelli said the department is taking “a very close look” at their response to make sure future emergencies are handled more effectively.
Officers said they attempted to gain entry at two separate points but found everything locked and the perimeter secured.
Despite the calls and even a plea reportedly heard on the 911 line—”Please don’t shoot me”—no follow-up was successful at the time.
Police only acted after the family intervened days later.
The Arrest and Charges Filed
Raymond Boodarian was arrested on July 15, the day after the bodies were found.
He’s been charged with two counts of murder, residential burglary, and special circumstance enhancements for committing multiple murders and murder during a burglary.
He’s being held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, and is set to appear in court on August 20. He has not yet entered a plea.
According to Hochman, it was Boodarian’s use of his own phone that ultimately led police straight to him.
“They were able to ping the location, track him down, and make the arrest,” he said.
Previous Legal Trouble and Mental Health Concerns
Court records paint a troubling picture of Boodarian’s past.
He had previously been arrested on suspicion of making threats, battery, and weapons charges, but the case was dismissed last December after he was placed in a mental health conservatorship.
That arrangement meant another adult was legally responsible for making major life decisions on his behalf due to a diagnosed mental condition.
Neighbors Recall Disturbing Behavior
A neighbor who lives near Boodarian’s rented Reseda apartment spoke to the Daily Mail under the condition of anonymity.
She described him as “deeply disturbed,” often seen roaming the complex and occasionally having intense, violent outbursts.
She recalled times when he appeared ready to “break through the wall,” and claimed that police had been called before due to his behavior.
The neighbor said she’d seen him restrained and taken away on a stretcher in the past and alleged that he once injured his own mother by breaking a couple of her ribs—though she didn’t provide details or confirm whether a report had been filed.
A Community Demands Answers
Monday’s public safety meeting was packed with concerned residents, many still reeling from this senseless act of violence.
The Encino area, home to celebrities like Machine Gun Kelly, Michael B. Jordan, and Matt LeBlanc, has seen a wave of burglaries recently.
LAPD Captain Michael Bland assured residents that patrols in the area are being increased and that authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness.
“We owe it to Robin and Tom—and to all of you—to ensure this never happens again,” Hochman told the crowd.