Suspect in American Idol Exec’s Killing Called 911 Pretending to Be the Resident: ‘Please Don’t Shoot Me’

Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, musician Thomas DeLuca, were found shot to death in their $4.5 million Encino, Calif., home on July 14 — four days after police say they were killed with their own gun by an intruder who later called 911 pretending to be one of them.

The Suspect: 22-Year-Old Raymond Boodarian

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian allegedly broke into the couple’s home on July 10 and shot them both in the head after they walked in unexpectedly. Prosecutors believe Boodarian used a firearm he found inside the residence.

What followed was a chilling twist: Boodarian, still inside the home, reportedly called 911 and pretended to be the resident. A dispatcher reportedly heard the caller plead, “Please don’t shoot me,” before the line went dead. Investigators say Boodarian identified himself by his real name during the call — but later claimed police assistance was no longer needed.

Despite two separate 911 calls that day — one from a neighbor reporting a break-in and the second from Boodarian — officers were unable to access the fortified home and left without finding the bodies. The residence was surrounded by a high wall and locked gates, making entry difficult.

A Delayed Discovery

It wasn’t until four days later, on July 14, that police were called to the home for a welfare check. A concerned friend, unable to reach the couple for several days, met officers at the gate and provided access. Inside, police forced entry through a window and found both victims dead.

911 Response Under Scrutiny

LAPD officials confirmed that officers responded promptly to both 911 calls on July 10. A police helicopter also flew over the home but reported no signs of a break-in or unusual activity. Officers attempted to reach both the neighbor and the 911 caller for follow-up but were unsuccessful.

According to the LAPD’s statement, officers tried to enter through two access points but found them locked and secured. “The residence was heavily fortified, and the front door was not visible from outside,” the LAPD said. “There was no visual evidence of forced entry.”

The Arrest and Charges

Boodarian was arrested on July 15 at a nearby apartment complex, shirtless and handcuffed, by members of the LAPD and FBI task force. He has been charged with two counts of murder, one count of residential burglary, and special circumstance allegations — including multiple murders and murder during the commission of a burglary. Firearm enhancements were also added.

He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 20.

Authorities are still investigating whether Boodarian had any connection to the couple or had previously been to the home. He lived just four miles from the victims and, according to police, may have entered through an unlocked door.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The double homicide has rattled the Encino community. At a July 21 town hall meeting, District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the case directly, calling the killings “deeply personal.”

“The government owes you one thing — safety,” Hochman said. “Robin and Tom didn’t experience that. Safety failed them.”

Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage from the victims’ doorbell camera and a neighboring property to piece together how Boodarian entered the home and whether any part of the killings was recorded.

The case remains an active investigation.