Suspect arrested for murder of ‘American Idol’ music director
Authorities are investigating after an American Idol music supervisor and her husband were found dead in their San Fernando Valley home.
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“American Idol” paid tribute to one of its own, Robin Kaye, as the ABC competition show returns for a new season.
“Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye,” read an on-screen graphic that began the show’s premiere episode, which aired on Monday, Jan. 26. “I’ll reserve a seat for you.”
Kaye and her husband Tom DeLuca, both 70, who worked as the show’s longtime music supervisor, were found dead in their home last year.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home around 2:30 p.m. on July 14 after receiving a call from a person who had not heard from the resident for several days. Officers then entered the residence and discovered two bodies, later identified as Kay and DeLuca.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the couple died from “multiple gunshot wounds.”
The suspect in the case, Raymond Boudarian, 22, has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of first-degree burglary, with the special circumstances of multiple murders and murder in commission of robbery, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced in a July 17 news release.
If convicted on all charges, Boudalian could face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, according to the district attorney’s office.
After several hearings, Boudalian was released at the Bernardino County Forensic Psychiatric Hospital on Jan. 13, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in December ordered Boudalian committed to a state hospital, Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender Nancy Kolokotronis confirmed to USA TODAY.
A status update hearing is scheduled for March 19, the District Attorney’s Office told USA TODAY on January 26.
Who was Robin Kaye?
Kaye began her 16-year stint as music supervisor on “Idol” in Season 8, which crowned Kris Allen as the winner in 2009. She was responsible for clearing the music for the competition show throughout most of season 23, when Jamal Roberts was named the winner on May 18th.
She is also most recently credited as music director for the 2023 NAACP Image Awards and several Miss Universe pageants.
Kay has won numerous awards, including the Guild of Music Supervisors’ Award for Best Musical Director for Reality Television in 2014.
“We are shocked to hear of the passing of Robyn and her beloved husband Tom,” a spokesperson for “Idol” said in a statement to USA TODAY last year. “Robin was a pillar of the Idol family since 2009 and was deeply loved and respected by all who interacted with her. Robin will forever remain in our hearts and we share our deepest sympathies with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
