Suspect in Encino killings — accused “American Idol” music supervisor’s killer — found incompetent to stand trial
A judge has found 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian incompetent to stand trial in the July 10 killings of “American Idol” music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, after prosecutors say he used the couple’s gun during a burglary.
Key takeaways
- Defendant: Raymond Boodarian, 22. (Sources: 6abc, ABC7)
- Victims: Robin Kaye, longtime “American Idol” music supervisor, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. (Sources: 6abc, ABC7)
- Charges: Two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary with special circumstances; exposure to life without parole or death penalty. (Sources: ABC7, ABC11, courtroom video)
- Competency: Judge found Boodarian incompetent to stand trial; he has been ordered to mental health court and is held without bail. (Sources: ABC7, ABC11, courtroom video)
The alleged crime
Prosecutors allege that on July 10, Boodarian broke into the Encino home of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca. When the couple returned and interrupted the burglary, authorities say he shot both victims multiple times using their own firearm. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman characterized the killings as part of a residential burglary.
After the shootings, investigators say Boodarian called police and identified himself, which aided in his arrest. Officers arrested him at his home on July 11 after a welfare check discovered the victims. He was taken into custody without incident.
Charges and legal stakes
Boodarian faces two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary. Prosecutors have alleged special circumstances, a judicial designation in California that permits seeking the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole if proven. Because a judge has found him incompetent to stand trial, prosecutors cannot proceed with a standard criminal trial until competency is restored.
Prior criminal history and mental health background
Court records and reporting show multiple recent incidents involving mental health concerns:
- November 2023: Misdemeanor allegation for brandishing a knife and making criminal threats against his stepfather.
- February 2024: Misdemeanor battery against his mother.
- April 2024: Misdemeanor battery against his mother and sister.
Those earlier misdemeanor charges were dismissed after courts found Boodarian mentally incompetent. Documents indicate he had been formally declared mentally incompetent three months prior to those dismissals. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office objected to dismissing some misdemeanor cases, raising questions about how prosecutorial and mental-health decisions intersected. (Source: video report and ABC7.)
Court appearances and competency process
Video from a late-July court appearance shows Boodarian seated toward the back of the courtroom, appearing disconnected and not responding when the judge addressed him. He remains held without bail as the competency process continues.
A judge ordered Boodarian to report to Los Angeles mental health court on Sept. 3 — a program designed to connect people with serious mental illness to treatment and supervision as an alternative to traditional criminal processing if participants meet program rules.
Community response and investigation
The killings shocked Encino residents. More than 200 people attended a town hall where LAPD and the district attorney addressed neighborhood safety and fielded questions about how such violence occurred in a quiet community.
Neighbors expressed sympathy for the Boodarian family and recounted past attempts to help during conflicts, highlighting how warning signs may be visible locally yet remain unresolved without sustained interventions. (Source: courtroom video.)
Legal questions and expert commentary
Defense attorney Lou Shapiro told ABC7 that the case raises questions about earlier handling of incidents involving Boodarian. He noted the intent of mental health court is diversion into treatment, and suggested earlier dismissals may indicate the case either went through unsuccessful diversion or “slipped through the cracks.”
“There are unresolved questions about how prior cases were handled and whether the system provided sustained care,” a defense attorney said.
Implications for San Diego, California
Although the killings occurred in Los Angeles, the case has regional implications. San Diego officials and community groups may see renewed calls for stronger funding of mental health services, improved crisis response teams, and clearer coordination between city attorney offices, county prosecutors, and law enforcement to close gaps in follow-up care.
Practical steps for residents include documenting incidents, seeking mental health support, and increasing neighborhood safety meetings to ensure early reporting and intervention.
Reporting and sources
This article draws on reporting from Times Media Service and local broadcasters. Key sources include:
Investigations continue. Authorities and mental health officials will face additional scrutiny as the case proceeds to mental health court and any potential future criminal proceedings.
