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Judge Halts Arraignment in ‘American Idol’ Double Murder, Refers Suspect to Mental Health Court

Criminal proceedings are on hold pending a court-ordered evaluation of the defendant's competency to stand trial.

Overview

  • Raymond Boodarian, 22, did not enter a plea as the judge suspended the case, ordered him held without bail, and set a Sept. 3 hearing in mental health court.
  • He is charged with two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary with special circumstances in the July 10 killings of Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
  • In court, Boodarian appeared unresponsive and wore a suicide-prevention gown, with his public defender stating he has severe mental health issues.
  • Investigators cite surveillance video showing a suspect scaling the couple’s fence at 4:06 p.m., the victims arriving at 4:43 p.m., and the suspect leaving about 10 minutes later concealing a handgun.
  • Authorities say the couple were shot with a gun from their home; police had responded to a burglary call that day but did not enter, and the bodies were discovered four days later during a welfare check.