The Moment
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that the man accused of killing longtime American Idol boss Robin Kaye and her husband, songwriter Tom Deluca, is not competent to stand trial right now. The defendant, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, will be transferred to a state facility for treatment, including psychotropic medication if medically indicated, with a plan to reassess his competency on Dec. 19.
Prosecutors have alleged the couple were shot after returning to their Encino home during a burglary in July. Investigators say there is no known prior connection between the suspect and the victims. Boodarian was arrested the day after the bodies were discovered.
The Take
I know what you’re thinking: another Hollywood-adjacent case, another delay. But this isn’t a TV courtroom cliffhanger; it’s the system hitting pause so it can actually work. Competency isn’t a loophole—it’s a legal requirement. You can’t run a marathon with a broken ankle, and you can’t put someone on trial if they can’t understand what’s happening or help their own defense.
Robin Kaye helped shepherd music on one of TV’s biggest talent machines. She and Tom Deluca had even been weighing new security measures after neighborhood burglaries, according to case materials. It’s gutting—and it’s why “restoration” sounds so cold here. Still, getting the defendant competent is the only route to a trial that holds up in reality, not just in a prime-time script.
There’s hype about “instant justice” in high-profile crimes. Reality check: a competency ruling is like pulling the plug on a live show when the mic shorts. Nobody wants to stop the music, but if you don’t fix the wiring, the whole concert fails. If treatment works, the case resumes. If it doesn’t, the court keeps reassessing. Painful, procedural, necessary.
Receipts
Confirmed
- A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled Boodarian not presently competent to stand trial and ordered treatment in a state facility, with competency review set for Dec. 19, 2025 (per the court’s ruling in open court).
- Prosecutors have alleged the killings occurred during a burglary after the couple returned home (statements made in court).
- Investigators stated they have not identified any prior relationship between the defendant and the victims as of their latest briefings (law enforcement updates).
- Boodarian was taken into custody the day after the victims were found (arrest records and police briefings).
Unverified/Reported
- Specific motive beyond the alleged burglary has not been established publicly.
- Details from 911 audio and search warrants have been referenced in case materials; full recordings and documents have not been released publicly in full.
Backstory (For Casual Readers)
Robin Kaye, a veteran music supervisor who worked on American Idol for many seasons, and her husband, songwriter Tom Deluca, were found dead in their Encino home in July after family requested a welfare check. Authorities say both died of gunshot wounds. Case materials indicate there had been concern about area break-ins, and a neighbor previously reported suspicious activity. Prosecutors allege the couple encountered an intruder and a confrontation turned deadly.
What’s Next
The case is in a competency-restoration phase. That means doctors will treat Boodarian’s psychiatric condition with the goal of getting him able to understand the proceedings and assist his attorneys. The court will revisit competency on Dec. 19. If he’s found competent then, the criminal case resumes. If not, treatment continues and the court sets another review. Expect updates from the court on treatment status and any changes to the charges or scheduling.
Where do you land on competency pauses—frustrating delay, or necessary step to make sure justice actually sticks?
Sources
Los Angeles County Superior Court ruling and hearing calendar, Nov. 14, 2025. Los Angeles Police Department arrest information and public briefings, July 2025. Los Angeles County District Attorney charging and special-circumstance filings, Aug. 2025.
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