American Idol TV executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca have died in what is suspected to be a double homicide.
Kaye, a ‘cornerstone’ of the US show, and her husband were found with gunshot wounds in their LA home, and suspect 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian has been arrested.
LA Police Department told US outlets officers responded to a welfare check call at a home on White Oak Avenue on Monday at 2.30pm, where two bodies were found.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department then arrived at the residence and declared the 70-year-old and her husband dead at the scene.
After a further investigation, LAPD said they later learned a radio call had been made for a possible burglary suspect at their home on July 10 at around 4pm, four days before they were found.
It is alleged Boodarian burgled their property while they were out, and killed them on their return.
‘While there were no signs of forced entry or trouble at the location during that investigation, it is now believed that the suspect had gained entry into the residence through an unlocked door,’ authorities said in a press release.
‘The victims returned home while the suspect was inside their residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives. The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.’
In a statement, an American Idol spokesperson said: ‘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.
‘Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.’
Music supervisor Kaye was a veteran in the entertainment TV industry, having worked on shows including Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, Miss USA, Miss Universe and The Singing Bee.
She started her career working for Waylon Jennings in Nashville, before joining MTM Records as Vice President of Artist Development.
Kaye then relocated to LA following a stint in music publishing, joining the film and TV licensing department at Universal Records.
After three years, Kaye moved to PolyGram Records, where she ran the film and TV division until it was sold to Universal.
In 2000, In 2000, Robin launched her company SyncroniCity, initially representing labels and artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Kenny Loggins, Lang Lang, Donnie Osmond and Steven Bishop, before it turned focus to music supervision for shows including American Idol.
Deluca was a songwriter and musician, having started his career in Nashville and releasing his debut album Down To The Wire with Epic Records in 1986.
His last album, Street Rock, was released in 2022, according to his website.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.