Crime
22-year-old Raymond Boodarian arrested in Double Homicide of Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca
ENCINO, LOS ANGELES – Authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the double homicide of longtime ‘American Idol’ music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, inside their upscale home in Encino.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a welfare check at the couple’s residence on White Oak Avenue around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, where they discovered both victims deceased from gunshot wounds to the head.
According to law enforcement sources, Kaye and Deluca were found in separate rooms within the home.
The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, who authorities say had no known connection to the victims.
LAPD detectives believe Boodarian entered the home with the intent to burglarize the property and was confronted by the couple when they unexpectedly returned.
A struggle reportedly ensued, during which Boodarian fatally shot both victims.
Police say there is no indication Boodarian was affiliated with any organized burglary rings, and there is no evidence he had accomplices.
Investigators believe the crime was an isolated incident. Although Boodarian has no prior burglary offenses, he does have a criminal record.
Detectives now believe the murders occurred on July 10, the same day LAPD received two separate calls for a possible burglary at the residence.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Boodarian entering the home in the afternoon and remaining inside for approximately 30 minutes before the victims arrived.
At the time of the initial calls, officers were unable to enter the property due to the home’s heavily fortified security features.
According to LAPD, there were no visible signs of forced entry, and a police helicopter flying overhead did not observe suspicious activity, prompting officers to leave the scene.
Police say Boodarian did not forcibly enter the home, but rather gained access through an unlocked entry point.
On July 15, during the welfare check that ultimately led to the discovery of the victims, officers gained entry by breaking a rear window.
In a statement issued Tuesday, a spokesperson for American Idol confirmed the tragic deaths, saying:
“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband Tom’s passing. 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. She will forever remain in our hearts. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and LAPD continues to review evidence related to the crime.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.