Tom DeLuca, Mastermind Behind Aus Hits, Killed In LA Home With Wife & American Idol Exec Robin Kaye

American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Tom DeLuca, who wrote hits for Diesel, Jon Stevens and more, were found dead in their home on Monday (14 July).

TMZ, which initially reported the news, stated that the couple were shot in the head in different rooms in their home.

As NBC News reports, the couple, both aged 70, were found at approximately 2:30 pm on Monday after police were sent to their home in Encino, Los Angeles, to conduct a welfare check after a person close to them said they hadn’t heard from them in a few days.

The Los Angeles Police Department was called to the couple’s home last Thursday (10 July) after receiving a report of a burglary, but upon arrival, they found no signs of a burglary. Investigators working with the police believe that Kaye and DeLuca came home while the robbery was taking place and were shot multiple times during a confrontation.

Raymond Boodarian, a 22-year-old resident in Encino, is considered a suspect and was arrested following an investigation by homicide detectives. Charges have not been formally laid yet, but police allege that Boodarian committed the double homicide.

Tom DeLuca, an American singer-songwriter, released two albums: Down To The Wire in 1986, and his long-lost second album, Street Rock, was released in 2022. In addition to his work as a solo artist, DeLuca is a successful songwriter who’s penned songs for Australian artists.

Aussie hits he’s written include Man Alive by Diesel, Bound For Glory by Angry Anderson, Are You Satisfied by Jon Stevens, and Zone by Southern Sons. He’s also written songs for Kid Rock, Meredith Brooks, Jennifer Rush, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, Tora Tora, and The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz.

“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing,” a spokesperson for American Idol said.

They added, “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.”