Shocking Discovery: American Idol Music Supervisor Found Dead In Encino Home

A routine welfare check turned into a nightmare scene when Los Angeles police discovered two bodies inside an Encino residence on Monday, July 14. The victims, both 70 years old, were found dead with apparent gunshot wounds in what authorities are now investigating as a double homicide.

The grisly discovery unfolded when officers responding to the welfare call noticed blood at the front entrance of the home. Unable to gain entry through conventional means, police were forced to smash a window to access the property, where they found the man and woman already deceased.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. While the Los Angeles Police Department has not officially confirmed identities, sources report the victims are Robin Kaye, longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband Thomas Deluca.

The crime scene location adds another layer of intrigue to the investigation. A nearby resident revealed to KTLA that the rental property once belonged to late rapper Juice WRLD in some capacity, though the connection to the current tragedy remains unclear.

Police have disclosed no information about potential suspects or motives. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles Police Department immediately.

The violent end to two lives dedicated to music has sent shockwaves through an industry still processing the brutal reality of what transpired behind those Encino walls.

Robin Kaye: The Unsung Hero Behind American Idol’s Musical Magic

Behind the glittering performances and chart-topping moments that defined American Idol for over a decade stood Robin Kaye, the music supervisor whose meticulous work shaped the show’s sonic landscape. Since 2009, Kaye served as what the show’s representatives now call « a cornerstone of the Idol family. »

Her influence extended far beyond the Idol stage. Kaye orchestrated the musical elements for prestigious events including the Miss Universe pageant and the NAACP Image Awards, cementing her reputation as a trusted architect of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

In 2017, during the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, Kaye offered rare insight into her profession’s hidden importance. « It’s one of those parts of the business that people don’t even know it exists, » she explained. « It’s a very important part of films and TV. Pretty much everything in the entertainment industry has music in it and people just think that it’s there. »

Those words now carry profound weight. The seamless musical experiences audiences took for granted required Kaye’s invisible expertise—selecting tracks, securing rights, coordinating with artists, and ensuring every note served the story.

« 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, » the show’s official statement declared. « Robin will remain in our hearts forever. »

Her professional partner in life shared that same dedication to musical craft, creating a household where artistry flourished until tragedy struck.

Thomas Deluca: From Nashville Dreams To Street Rock Legacy

That professional partner was Thomas Deluca, whose own musical journey began decades earlier in Nashville’s competitive songwriting scene. In his early twenties, Deluca secured his first publishing deal in Music City, launching a career that would span multiple decades and coasts.

The 1990s brought a pivotal moment when Epic Records signed Deluca as a solo artist, prompting his move to Los Angeles. The transition from Nashville’s country-tinged atmosphere to LA’s diverse musical landscape marked a creative evolution that would define his artistic trajectory.

Deluca’s dedication to his craft never wavered, even as the industry transformed around him. In 2022, he released Street Rock, an album that revealed the deeply personal nature of his songwriting process.

« These are songs that had special meaning to me at different phases of my life, but I never expected them to be heard, » Deluca reflected about his final body of work. « I hope the listener will enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing and recording them. »

Those words now resonate with haunting poignancy. The songs he never expected to be heard became his final artistic statement—intimate compositions that captured a lifetime of musical evolution from Nashville’s honky-tonks to Hollywood’s studios.

The couple’s shared devotion to music created a creative sanctuary in their Encino home, where two parallel careers in the entertainment industry intertwined. Neither could have anticipated that this artistic haven would become the scene of an investigation that has left both industries searching for answers.

Investigation Ongoing: Industry Mourns As Police Search For Answers

The Los Angeles Police Department continues its investigation with no suspect information available. The motive behind the double homicide remains unknown, leaving investigators to piece together clues from the crime scene where two lives dedicated to music were tragically cut short.

The entertainment industry’s response has been swift and heartfelt. American Idol issued an official statement that captures the profound loss felt across Hollywood’s creative community.

« We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing, » the show’s spokesperson shared. « 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. »

The statement underscores Kaye’s integral role within the American Idol ecosystem—a testament to professional relationships that transcended typical workplace boundaries.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department immediately.

The couple’s colleagues, friends, and industry peers now grapple with questions that may never find satisfactory answers. In an industry built on creativity and collaboration, the senseless violence that claimed two dedicated professionals serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility—even within the seemingly protected confines of artistic success.