American Idol exec and husband found dead in suspected double homicide!

The entertainment industry has been shaken by the tragic death of Robin Kaye, the respected music supervisor best known for her work on American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple was discovered dead inside their Encino, California home on Monday afternoon, in what police are now investigating as a double homicide.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a welfare check at the couple’s residence after friends and colleagues reported they hadn’t heard from them in days — an unusual silence from two people known for their reliability and close professional circles. When officers arrived at the property, they immediately noticed signs that something was terribly wrong.

Discovery at the Scene

Law enforcement sources told TMZ and multiple local outlets that officers saw blood near the front door of the home. After several unanswered knocks and calls, police broke a window to gain entry. Inside, they found both Robin and Thomas deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Detectives described the scene as “disturbing” and “indicative of targeted violence.” The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division quickly took over the investigation due to the nature of the case and the prominence of the victims.

“Both individuals suffered fatal injuries consistent with gunfire,” said LAPD spokesperson Lt. Aaron Mendoza during a brief press conference Tuesday morning. “At this stage, we are treating this as a double homicide. We are following all leads and do not believe this was a random act.”

Who Was Robin Kaye?

Robin Kaye, 47, had built an impressive career in television and music supervision. She joined American Idol in its later seasons, helping shape the show’s evolving sound and managing relationships between production teams, artists, and record labels.

Colleagues remember her as a creative force behind the scenes — someone with both an ear for talent and a deep respect for artistry. “Robin had that rare ability to balance business sense with genuine passion for music,” said longtime collaborator and Idol producer Marc Franklin. “She didn’t just curate songs — she helped define moments that millions of viewers would remember.”

Before her tenure with American Idol, Kaye worked on several high-profile music projects for ABC and NBC, as well as independent productions for streaming platforms. Her portfolio included artist consulting, soundtrack supervision, and mentoring young musicians navigating the entertainment world.

Friends describe her as “kind but fiercely professional,” someone who never sought the spotlight but whose influence was felt across the industry.

A Private Couple

Robin and her husband, Thomas Deluca, 52, had lived in the Encino neighborhood for nearly a decade. Neighbors described them as quiet, friendly, and deeply connected. Thomas, a sound engineer and session guitarist, had worked with several Los Angeles studios and occasionally collaborated on projects with his wife.

“They were the kind of neighbors everyone liked,” said Carol Ramirez, who lived across the street. “Robin always waved, always smiled. They took walks in the evening with their dog. You’d never imagine something like this could happen to them.”

According to property records, the couple had recently completed a small renovation on their home — part of what friends said was their plan to settle down after years of fast-paced production work.

The 911 Call and Initial Response

The welfare check was initiated after Robin missed a Monday morning meeting with American Idol producers — something colleagues said was completely out of character. When calls and messages went unanswered, one coworker contacted local authorities.

LAPD units arrived shortly after noon. Within minutes of arrival, officers observed the blood evidence near the door and forced entry. Both victims were found inside. Paramedics pronounced them dead at the scene.

Detectives have not publicly confirmed whether a weapon was recovered. Neighbors reportedly heard “loud bangs” late Sunday night but did not initially contact police, assuming it was fireworks or construction noise.

Early Theories and Investigation

Investigators are exploring multiple leads, including the possibility of a home invasion, personal dispute, or targeted attack. LAPD sources emphasized that there were no immediate signs of forced entry, raising questions about whether the victims knew their assailant.

Forensic teams spent much of Monday night collecting evidence and reviewing security footage from nearby homes. Police have also requested surveillance data from surrounding streets and businesses in hopes of identifying any suspicious vehicles or persons in the area.

One source close to the investigation told The Los Angeles Times, “This doesn’t look like a robbery gone wrong. There’s an emotional element here — the scene tells a story, and it’s not about theft.”

Detectives are reportedly waiting on ballistic and forensic reports to determine the exact timeline of the shootings and whether both victims were targeted simultaneously.

Industry Shock and Reaction

News of Kaye’s death rippled quickly through the entertainment community. Within hours, producers, musicians, and former American Idol contestants began sharing tributes on social media.

“Heartbroken. Robin was one of the kindest, most dedicated people I’ve ever met in this business,” wrote singer and former Idol finalist Maddie Poppe on Instagram. “She cared about every detail, every note. This is beyond tragic.”

Fremantle, the production company behind American Idol, issued an official statement Tuesday afternoon:

“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend, Robin Kaye. Her creative vision, professionalism, and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege to work with her. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.”

Several artists who had worked with Kaye privately shared stories of her mentorship and kindness — describing her as someone who pushed for authenticity in a notoriously commercial industry.

“She told me once, ‘If the music doesn’t make you feel something, the audience won’t either,’” recalled an artist she mentored early in her career. “She believed in real art, not noise.”

Police Appeal for Information

As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made. The LAPD is urging anyone with information to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Detectives confirmed they are reviewing electronic communications, recent business dealings, and phone records from both victims to establish a clearer picture of the days leading up to their deaths.

“We’re not ruling anything out,” said Lt. Mendoza. “Right now, our focus is justice for Robin and Thomas. Every piece of evidence, no matter how small, matters.”

A Legacy Cut Short

Robin Kaye’s influence on American television and music extended far beyond her title. She helped shape moments that became part of pop culture’s collective memory — the first time a contestant nailed a powerhouse note, the perfect song choice that turned an underdog into a star.

In a business often criticized for being cold and transactional, she stood out as someone who cared deeply about people — both their talent and their humanity.

“Robin was proof that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of compassion,” said a former colleague. “She made people feel seen.”

The entertainment world will remember her not only for her professional achievements but for the quiet strength and authenticity she brought to every project.

As investigators work to uncover what happened inside that Encino home, friends and colleagues are left grappling with the loss of two lives cut short — and the senseless violence that ended a story still being written.

Robin Kaye was 47.
Thomas Deluca was 52.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the LAPD tip line at (877) 527-3247 or reach out anonymously through LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.