Introduction to the Case
A man charged with fatally shooting an “American Idol” music supervisor and her husband in their Los Angeles home will undergo mental evaluation to determine whether he’s fit to stand trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.
The Charges and Proceedings
Raymond Boodarian, 22, was set to be arraigned in a courthouse in Los Angeles but did not enter a plea. A judge suspended the criminal proceedings against him while a psychiatrist examines him to determine his competency. He’s charged with two counts of murder in the killing of longtime “American Idol” producer Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, both 70, who were shot when they came home unexpectedly during a burglary on July 10.
Mental Evaluation and Next Steps
A judge at a court that specializes in mental health will consider the evaluation and decide whether Boodarian will proceed toward trial or be placed in a state hospital. Boodarian stood behind a window in a custody area of the courtroom, and appeared to try to remain out of sight. His attorney declined comment, and the district attorney’s office had no immediate comment.
Similar Cases and Precedents
Boodarian will undergo the same evaluation in the same small courthouse on Hollywood Boulevard where a man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and driving into the front gate of her home was recently found to be not competent to go to trial.
The Incident and Investigation
Police said they responded to a 911 call about a burglary at the home of Kaye and Deluca in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles. Police said they found no sign of forced entry or other trouble and left. Four days later the couple’s bodies were found, shot to death, when officers carried out a welfare check at the home. Boodarian was arrested the following day.
The Victims and Their Background
District Attorney Nathan Hochman later said in a community meeting that investigators believe the couple arrived home unexpectedly while Boodarian was burglarizing it. He shot them with their own gun and later called 911 himself, Hochman said. Kaye had been with “American Idol” for more than 15 years and was working on the upcoming season of the hit singing competition TV series at the time of her death. She had also worked in the music departments of several other productions, including “The Singing Bee,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Lip Sync Battle,” and several Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Conclusion
The case of Raymond Boodarian and the tragic events surrounding the deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca underscore the complexities of the justice system, particularly when mental health is a factor. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to determine Boodarian’s competency to stand trial, ensuring that justice is served while also considering the defendant’s mental state.
FAQs
- Q: Who are the victims in this case?
A: The victims are Robin Kaye, an “American Idol” music supervisor, and her husband Thomas Deluca, both 70 years old. - Q: What are the charges against Raymond Boodarian?
A: Boodarian is charged with two counts of murder. - Q: Why was the criminal proceeding suspended?
A: The proceeding was suspended to allow for a mental evaluation to determine Boodarian’s competency to stand trial. - Q: What will happen after the mental evaluation?
A: A judge will consider the evaluation results and decide whether Boodarian will proceed to trial or be placed in a state hospital.
