Raymond Boodarian Found Incompetent to Stand Trial in Encino Double Homicide
A 22-year-old man, Raymond Boodarian, accused of fatally shooting music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas DeLuca during a burglary in their Encino home, has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial and placed in mental-health court.
- Suspect: Raymond Boodarian, 22
- Victims: Robin Kaye, a music supervisor known for “American Idol,” and her husband Thomas DeLuca, both 70
- Charges: Two counts of murder and one count of first‑degree residential burglary with special circumstances; defendant later ordered to mental-health court (6ABC, ABC7)
- Incident: Believed to have occurred July 10, 2025; victims found four days later (Biography)
The crime and initial arrest
Court filings and statements from the Los Angeles County District Attorney allege that Boodarian entered the Kaye‑DeLuca home through an unlocked door and was burglarizing the residence when the couple returned. Prosecutors say the suspect used the victims’ own handgun and shot them multiple times after being discovered inside the house.
Neighbors and police say the couple was not located until a welfare check four days later, and authorities believe the killings occurred on July 10, 2025. After the incident, Boodarian reportedly called police and identified himself, and was taken into custody without incident (6ABC, Biography).
Charges and court handling
Boodarian was originally booked on two counts of murder and a first‑degree residential burglary charge, each with special circumstances that could increase penalties if convicted (6ABC).
At an early court appearance observers said the defendant appeared unresponsive and was staring off, prompting the judge to order an evaluation and to place him into mental‑health court rather than proceeding immediately to arraignment (ABC7).
“Under California law, a finding of incompetence pauses criminal proceedings while the person is placed into treatment or diversion with the hope competency can be restored.”
Officials later determined Boodarian is mentally incompetent to stand trial, meaning he cannot understand the charges or assist in his defense. The District Attorney’s Office has not publicly decided whether it will seek competency restoration or pursue alternate legal avenues while he remains under mental‑health supervision (ABC7).
Suspect’s prior incidents and mental‑health history
Court records and local reporting show Boodarian had prior run‑ins with law enforcement, including allegations of brandishing a knife, making criminal threats, and battery against family members. Earlier cases were dismissed after he was found mentally incompetent in late 2024 — months before the July killings (ABC7, local footage, additional reporting).
Legal experts say California’s specialized mental‑health courts aim to divert people found incompetent into treatment rather than traditional criminal processing. While many defendants improve in those programs, experts warn some can slip through gaps in supervision and services — raising questions about public safety versus patient rights.
Victims and community response
Robin Kaye had a long career in music supervision and was known for work on shows including American Idol. Colleagues remembered her as a guiding presence who helped shape musical choices and supported contestants and staff. Her husband, Thomas DeLuca, was remembered by friends and family for his musical ties and community connections (Biography).
The killings shocked neighbors in the quiet Encino neighborhood. Local officials and community leaders held meetings as residents demanded answers and urged increased patrols; LAPD said patrols were boosted following the discovery of the couple (6ABC).
Investigators and evidence
Law enforcement describes the incident as a burglary that turned fatal when the homeowners returned and encountered the suspect. So far, investigators say there is no known prior relationship between Boodarian and the victims — characterizing the killings as a chance encounter that escalated deadly (Biography).
Prosecutors point to use of the victims’ own gun, police body‑camera footage, 911 records and witness statements as part of their case. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has not yet publicly said whether it will seek competency restoration or pursue other legal paths while Boodarian remains in mental‑health supervision (6ABC).
Questions about mental‑health courts and public safety
The case has drawn attention from legal analysts and mental‑health advocates who note the bifurcated approach — criminal court when competent, mental‑health diversion when not — can get people treatment but may leave communities exposed if follow‑up is inconsistent. Experts emphasize the need for adequate funding, supervision and coordination with social services.
Advocates call for more beds, better outpatient care, and improved tracking, while others stress balancing civil‑commitment laws and diversion programs with clear public safety standards. High‑profile cases like this one force scrutiny of how systems are funded and monitored (ABC7).
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact: High‑profile violent crimes in nearby Los Angeles can affect perceptions of safety across Southern California, including the Inland Empire — influencing real estate sentiment, insurance concerns, and demand for private security.
Political consequences: Local leaders may face pressure to increase funding for behavioral health, law enforcement coordination, and crisis response teams. State debates on mental‑health court funding and civil‑commitment laws may intensify.
Social effects: Families and community groups might push for more neighborhood watch programs, community policing, and forums on mental health services. The case may increase calls for improved communication around welfare checks and home security.
Practical applications: Officials may review welfare‑check protocols and interjurisdictional information sharing. Interest could grow in co‑response teams, crisis intervention training for first responders, and neighborhood safety initiatives.
Sources and further reading
- ABC7 Los Angeles: Suspect in Encino killings ordered to mental health court
- 6ABC Action News: American Idol executive, husband were killed with their own gun, LA County DA says
- Biography: American Idol music supervisor murder motive and timeline
- Local news footage on suspect’s prior cases
- Additional reporting on suspect’s prior cases
Reporting by Times Media Service.
