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American Idol exec and husband found shot dead in LA mansion — police investigate double murder

The 7th Annual Guild Of Music Supervisors Awards
The bodies of award-winning music supervisor Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, both 70, were found by LAPD officers at their $5 million home in Encino . Picture: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Guild of Music Supervisors

By Frankie Elliott

An American Idol executive and her husband have been found shot to death inside their Los Angeles mansion.

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The bodies of award-winning music supervisor Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, both 70, were found by LAPD officers at their $5 million home in Encino on Monday at around 2.33pm.

Police discovered the couple had been shot in the head after being called to their six-bedroom home for a "welfare check".

When they arrived, authorities found blood at the front entrance of the house and had to break through a window to enter the property, a source told TMZ.

Los Angeles Police Department officials secure the home where Robin Kaye an "American Idol" music supervisor and her husband Thomas Deluca were found killed with gunshot wounds to the head.
Los Angeles Police Department officials secure the home where Robin Kaye an "American Idol" music supervisor and her husband Thomas Deluca were found killed with gunshot wounds to the head. Picture: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Police say their deaths are being investigated as a double homicide, but the motive remains unknown.

TMZ also reported that LAPD officers were called to the couple's home on Thursday after a suspect was allegedly attempted to break in.

A person, who may have been armed, was reportedly seen by neighbours hopping a fence on the tree-lined street in the plush California neighbourhood.

Locals and family had not heard from the pair in four days, prompting the welfare check by police.

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Police discovered the couple had been shot in the head after being called to their six-bedroom home for a "welfare check."
Police discovered the couple had been shot in the head after being called to their six-bedroom home for a "welfare check.". Picture: Facebook

American Idol paid tribute to Kaye following news of her tragic death, calling her a "cornerstone of the Idol family".

"We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing," a spokesperson told Daily Mail.

"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."

According to her IMBD page, Kaye worked as the music supervisor on 300 episodes of the singing competition, spanning across 15 seasons.

Her work garnered critical acclaim over the years and earned her several Guild of Music Supervisors Awards.

She also worked on other well known shows such as Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, and Worn Stories.

Her husband Thomas was a musician who last released an album called Street Rock in 2022.

His debut album "Down To The Wire" was released on Epic Records in 1986 and he also penned songs for artists such as Kid Rock, the band Molly Hatchet and Meredith Brooks.

The couple purchased the home in January 2023 after it had previously been owned by rapper Juice WRLD, who died in 2019 from an overdose.