Two well-known figures in the entertainment industry were found murdered inside their multi-million-dollar Los Angeles home in what investigators are calling a double homicide.
Robin Kaye, a longtime award-winning music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, musician Thomas Deluca, were found shot to death in their upscale Encino residence on Monday. The shocking discovery was made during a welfare check after friends and family had not heard from the couple in four days.
Both Kaye and Deluca were 70 years old.
Execution-Style Killings
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, both victims suffered apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Kaye was found in the pantry, while Deluca was discovered in the bathroom, per reports from NBC Los Angeles.
Officers responding to the scene found blood in the entryway and a shattered window, possibly used by the intruder to gain access. Aerial footage captured by ABC 7 showed what appeared to be a smashed sliding glass door, fueling suspicions of a break-in.
However, investigators told TMZ that nothing inside the home appeared to be ransacked, which casts doubt on robbery being the motive.
The LAPD released a brief statement confirming the incident:
“There is no suspect information at this time. LAFD responded and pronounced the victims deceased at the scene. The motive is unknown. The investigation is ongoing.”
Suspicious Activity Days Earlier
The house was already on police radar after a neighbor called 911 last Thursday to report a suspicious individual hopping the fence. However, responding officers reportedly found no signs of foul play at the time and did not enter the home.
“We didn’t see or hear anything,” said nearby resident Amee Faggen. “My renter called 911 on Thursday because she saw somebody hopping the fence.”
Prominent Industry Careers
Robin Kaye had a decorated career in television music production. She was a music supervisor on American Idol for 15 seasons, winning multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. Her résumé also included work on Lip Sync Battle, Miss USA, Miss Universe, and other major productions.
In a statement to Variety, a spokesperson for American Idol expressed deep sorrow:
“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing. 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.”
High-Security Home with Troubling History
The couple’s residence — which sold for $4.5 million in 2023 — was previously owned by late rapper Juice WRLD, who died of an overdose in 2019. The home was considered one of the most secure on the block, surrounded by high walls and security spikes.
Despite the security, the Encino neighborhood has seen a rise in break-ins and high-profile burglaries. In May, actor Anthony Anderson’s home was burglarized while he attended a charity event. Days later, a local jewelry store was robbed using blowtorches to access its safe.
As of now, no suspects have been named, and police have not confirmed whether the murders are connected to the area’s wave of burglaries.
