Key Point Summary – American Idol Boss Executed
- Robin Kaye and husband Thomas Deluca found dead in Encino home
- Both had gunshot wounds; police suspect double homicide
- Bodies discovered after four days during a welfare check
- No sign of robbery; home’s window appeared broken
- Kaye worked on American Idol for 15 seasons and won multiple awards
- Police had previously responded to reports of a trespasser at the home
- House was formerly owned by rapper Juice WRLD
Gruesome Discovery in Upscale Los Angeles Neighborhood
Police are investigating the shocking deaths of Robin Kaye, longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband Thomas Deluca. The couple, both 70, were found dead in their $4.5 million Encino home Monday afternoon, each with what police described as gunshot wounds to the head.
Authorities believe the killings were targeted. A welfare check led officers to the grisly scene after the couple had not been heard from in four days.
Break-In or Something More?
Kaye was discovered in the pantry and Deluca in the bathroom. There were signs of forced entry — including a shattered window and blood near the entryway — but the house itself wasn’t ransacked, suggesting robbery might not have been the motive.
Footage captured by ABC 7 showed what appeared to be a broken sliding glass door. Investigators suspect the killer may have entered the home through it. The LAPD has not named any suspects, and the motive remains unclear.
Previous Police Visit Days Before Murders
Neighbors say they saw suspicious activity days earlier. “We didn’t see or hear anything. My renter called 911 on Thursday because she saw somebody hopping the fence,” neighbor Amee Faggen told reporters.
Police responded at the time but reportedly found no sign of criminal activity. That incident has since taken on new significance as investigators piece together the timeline.
Idol Family in Mourning
Kaye had an impressive career in television music production, working on American Idol for at least 15 seasons. Her work earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, and she also contributed to Lip Sync Battle, Miss USA, and Miss Universe broadcasts.
“We are devastated,” an American Idol spokesperson told Variety. “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.”
Hollywood Community on Edge
The Encino area has seen a spike in high-profile break-ins recently. In late May, Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson’s home was broken into during a charity event. One week later, thieves used blowtorches to crack a safe in a local jewelry store.
Despite the growing trend, Kaye and Deluca’s home was considered among the most secure on the block. It was heavily walled and protected with security spikes — a detail that now raises questions about how someone still managed to get inside.
Legacy and Unanswered Questions
Kaye and Deluca’s mansion was formerly owned by the late rapper Juice WRLD, who died in 2019. The home last sold for $4.5 million in 2023, according to real estate listings.
As the community reels from the double homicide, police say the investigation is ongoing. The entertainment world has lost a respected figure, and friends, fans, and neighbors are demanding answers.
For now, the motive remains a mystery — and the killer is still out there.