Man declared incompetent in Encino double murder; accused in ‘American Idol’ supervisor killing sent to mental health court
A judge has declared 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian incompetent to stand trial in the July 2025 Encino double murder of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, sending him to mental health court.
- Suspect: Raymond Boodarian, 22, declared incompetent and ordered to mental health court. (ABC7)
- Victims: Robin Kaye, 70, longtime “American Idol” music supervisor, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, 70. (ABC News)
- Charges: Two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary with special circumstances for multiple murder and murder during a burglary. (ABC News)
- Arrest details: Authorities say Boodarian allegedly used the couple’s gun and later called police, allowing officers to arrest him without incident. (6ABC, ABC News)
The alleged crime
Prosecutors say the killings began as a residential burglary. Investigators allege Boodarian scaled a fence, entered the couple’s Encino property through an unlocked door and remained inside when Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca returned from grocery shopping.
The couple reportedly encountered the intruder and were shot multiple times with their own firearm. The handgun was later recovered at Boodarian’s nearby Encino residence, according to officials.
Timeline: The victims were found during a welfare check on July 14; authorities believe the killings occurred on July 10. After the slayings, law enforcement tracked and arrested Boodarian after he placed a call to police from his cellphone. He was booked on two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary, with special circumstance enhancements for multiple murder and murder during a burglary.
Courtroom behavior and mental health proceedings
In a July court appearance, defense attorneys and prosecutors told the judge that Boodarian appeared unresponsive and was observed staring off in court, raising concerns about his ability to participate in his defense. The judge ordered him to mental health court and postponed his arraignment to September 3 while clinical evaluations proceed.
Boodarian has a documented history of mental illness. In late 2023 he was previously found mentally incompetent in connection with several misdemeanor cases — including alleged brandishing of a knife, criminal threats against his stepfather, and battery against family members. Those charges were dismissed after the incompetence finding, according to court records.
Police response and community concerns
Law enforcement has faced scrutiny over earlier interactions with the Kaye-Deluca home. Officers responded to two burglary calls at the property on July 10, the day authorities believe the slayings occurred. Because the residence is highly secured, officers were unable to enter, conducted a helicopter sweep and cleared the scene.
Los Angeles police said they are reviewing the initial response but have not publicly concluded whether mistakes were made. The murders prompted increased LAPD patrols in Encino and heightened fear among neighbors, who have called for clearer protocols when properties are secured and for better follow-up on burglary reports.
Legal stakes and charges
Prosecutors filed the most serious enhancements available under California law: special circumstances for multiple murder and murder during a burglary. If Boodarian is ever found competent and convicted, those enhancements carry the most severe penalties.
Under California law, a finding of incompetency pauses criminal proceedings while the defendant receives treatment. If competency cannot be restored, options include civil commitments or other legally prescribed steps. Prosecutors say they will proceed with the charges while the competency process takes place.
Mental health courts and system scrutiny
Boodarian’s case highlights tensions around mental health courts designed to divert people with severe psychiatric conditions into treatment-focused programs. Advocates note these courts can reduce jail time and improve outcomes, while critics say diversion may not always protect public safety in rare but catastrophic cases.
Officials and legal experts are calling for audits and better coordination between courts, police and mental health providers. Proposed reforms discussed locally include stricter criteria for dismissing charges due to incompetence, improved record sharing and more robust outpatient monitoring when individuals return to the community.
Victim profile and community grief
Robin Kaye was a respected industry figure who worked as a music supervisor on American Idol since 2009. She and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were long-time Encino residents. Their deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and neighbors, with public memorials and online tributes noting Kaye’s career contributions.
Community leaders have planned public forums and meetings as residents seek explanations and reassurance from city officials. Many have expressed frustration and fear, and have called for transparent reviews of both policing and mental health-system responses.
Implications for California
Public safety: The killings have raised immediate concerns about neighborhood safety, prompting demands for more visible patrols and faster follow-up on burglary calls.
Mental health policy: The case has reignited debate over diversion and oversight of defendants with violent histories. Officials may face pressure to tighten procedures and invest in long-term treatment and tracking.
Legal accountability: Prosecutors must balance public demand for accountability with constitutional protections. The competency determination means criminal proceedings are paused while treatment is provided.
For residents of Encino and surrounding areas this case may mean increased home-security measures, neighborhood-watch activity and heightened calls for expanded mental health services to catch signs of crisis earlier.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting from ABC7, ABC News and 6ABC. For more detailed timelines or legal analysis of competency procedures and mental health court operations, readers can request further reporting.
Reported details and source links preserved as provided.
