Accused Killer of ‘American Idol’ Music Supervisor Moves to Mental Health Court

## Court Appearance of Accused Shooter

The individual charged with the fatal shooting of Robin Kaye, the veteran music supervisor for *American Idol*, and her husband during a bold daytime burglary in Los Angeles recently appeared in court. Wearing a “suicide gown,” Raymond Boodarian, 22, was transferred to a mental health court for evaluation.

### Details of the Arraignment

Boodarian did not enter a plea during the brief arraignment held in Van Nuys, California. He often peered through a barred window at those in attendance but remained unresponsive when Judge Martin L. Herscovitz attempted to engage him.

His public defender, Nancy Kolocotronis, emphasized his significant mental health struggles, stating that he appeared in distressing circumstances. Despite the judge’s attempts to connect with Boodarian, it was clear he was not engaging with the legal proceedings.

### Mental Competency Concerns

After some failed attempts to gain Boodarian’s attention, Judge Herscovitz suspended the arraignment, expressing doubts regarding Boodarian’s mental competency. He ordered the defendant to remain in custody without bail until a mental health hearing set for September 3. The arraignment on the murder charges will be postponed until Boodarian is considered mentally competent.

Two family members were present during the hearing but chose not to comment. Meanwhile, supporters of Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, occupied a different area in the courtroom.

### The Incident

According to officials, Boodarian was in the process of burglarizing Kaye and Deluca’s home when they returned from shopping on July 10. Upon encountering the couple, he allegedly shot them multiple times with a firearm he found inside the house before fleeing. Their bodies were discovered four days later during a welfare check.

A subsequent radio call made by Boodarian himself reported a break-in at his office, during which he pleaded, “Please don’t shoot me.”

### Surveillance Footage

Surveillance footage revealed a male suspect fitting Boodarian’s description scaling the front fence shortly before the incident. The couple arrived home, as seen in the video, just moments before the shooting occurred. Shortly after, the suspect was recorded leaving the premises while concealing a handgun.

Despite police responding to the home on the day of the incident, they overlooked any signs of a break-in and left the scene.

### Possible Consequences

If convicted, Boodarian could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed the gravity of the situation, noting how this tragic event has impacted the community’s perception of home safety.

### Remembering Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca

Kaye joined the *American Idol* team in 2009 and was well-regarded within the industry. She also contributed to the music department of the NAACP Image Awards and worked on shows such as *Lip Sync Battle*. Deluca was known as a talented songwriter, crafting music for notable artists like Kid Rock and Micky Dolenz.

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How do you feel about the issues surrounding mental health in the context of crime?