Crime
Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca found shot to death inside Encino home
ENCINO, CA – A respected music supervisor for American Idol and her husband were found fatally shot inside a multi-million-dollar home in Encino, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victims have been identified as Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
Officers responded to the residence on White Oak Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Monday following a request for a welfare check.
Upon arrival, they discovered two adults with gunshot wounds to the head. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the victims were found in separate rooms, though it remains unclear if the couple resided at the property.
Aerial footage captured by AIR7 revealed a shattered glass sliding door, though investigators have not confirmed whether it played a role in the incident.
In a statement released Tuesday, a spokesperson for American Idol expressed deep sorrow over the loss:
“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. Robin will remain in our hearts forever, and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
The motive behind the shootings remains unknown, and authorities have yet to identify any suspects.
However, neighbors have reported suspicious activity in recent days.
“We didn’t see or hear anything,” said Amee Faggen, a neighbor. “My renter called 911 on Thursday because she saw someone hopping the fence. I have no idea if that was related, but police and helicopters came and left.”
As of Tuesday morning, detectives remained on the scene, continuing their investigation into the double homicide.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.