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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.

Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, appears in court on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, appears in court on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Los Angeles County deputy public defender Nancy Kolocotronis stands in front of Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, in court on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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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.