Court Orders Hospitalization in High-Profile Murder Case
On Friday, a judge mandated that Raymond Boodarian, 22, be placed in a state hospital after he was determined to lack the mental capacity to face trial for murder charges. The charges relate to the fatal shootings of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, both 70, in their Encino residence.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi observed that Boodarian has not attended court hearings in Hollywood and has ceased communication with his legal counsel. An order for involuntary medication remains active.
Details of the Charges and Arrest
Boodarian was taken into custody on July 15 and formally charged on July 17 with two counts of murder for the July 10 killings, along with one count of residential burglary with a person present. The murder charges include special circumstances for multiple murders and murder during a burglary, which could lead to the death penalty. Firearm allegations are also part of the case.
Originally set for arraignment in Van Nuys in August, the proceedings were halted when Judge Martin Herscovitz raised concerns about Boodarian's mental state, citing his courtroom behavior. The judge repeatedly asked, "Can you hear me?" but received no response.
Discovery of the Victims and Investigation
The bodies of Kaye and Deluca were discovered on July 14 in the 4700 block of White Oak Place, south of Ventura Boulevard, during a welfare check prompted by a concerned acquaintance. Both had sustained multiple gunshot wounds inside their home.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated, "In a matter of moments, this couple was senselessly killed in their own home as they returned from the grocery store. This tragic shooting has shaken a Valley community and the notion that home should be our safe sanctuary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends who are grieving this tremendous loss." At a community meeting, he added that the couple was killed with their own firearm.
An "American Idol" representative expressed devastation, saying, "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."
Surveillance and Police Response
Surveillance footage indicates the suspect entered through an unlocked door, and the victims encountered him upon returning home. LAPD homicide investigator Lt. Guy Golan described, "A violent struggle ensued between them and the suspect." Detectives believe Boodarian was burglarizing the house during the couple's absence and remained for approximately 30 minutes before they arrived.
Police identified Boodarian using video from the home. On July 10 around 4 p.m., officers responded to a report of someone jumping the fence but found no immediate evidence of an intruder or burglary. An investigation into this initial response is underway.
Kaye, as music supervisor for "American Idol" since 2009, handled song licensing for contestants.
