Community Safety Meeting Held After ‘American Idol' Music Supervisor, Husband Murdered
The murders come as the community faces a spate of crimes, including organized burglary rings.
The murder of an 'American Idol' music supervisor and her husband was the final straw for many residents of the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, who gathered July 21 at a community safety meeting to address the couple's murder and other recent crimes.
Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70, were found dead in their home by police four days after they were shot during a confrontation with an intruder.
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New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Hollywood elites are sitting ducks for new breed of burglars: security expert
Vicious burglars and break-in gangs are using cutting-edge technology to pull off nefarious heists — and even celebs like Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Keanu Reeves aren't safe. A spate of home invasions, crafty break-ins and the recent tragic double-murder of 'American Idol' music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca inside their Encino home, at the hands of an apparent robber, have Hollywood on high alert. No number of cameras and alarm systems are enough to outwit the gangs, according to one pro. Advertisement 'They use signal jammers, which you can buy for a few thousand dollars' security ace to the stars, Kris Herzog, told The Post. 'It jams the signal to your cameras, your alarm, your mobile phone. 13 Brad Pitt's home was broken into after intruders climbed a fence to get on property. Anadolu via Getty Images 'It all turns off, as if you were home and simply deactivated your alarm. Then [the thieves] dress as gardeners and show up a few hours before or after the real gardeners. Advertisement 13 Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are among the stars who have had homes broken into. AFP via Getty Images 'They enter through the same gate [as the legit gardeners] and load leaf-blower bags with your valuables. I've been told 50 or 60 of these signal-jammer gangs are active in LA and none of them have ever been caught.' Celebrities and athletes are frequent targets, as the public nature of their lives means media-savvy thieves know when they're playing games out-of-town or promoting a movie abroad. They also use drones to surveil targets, according to sources. For example, unlucky Los Angeles Dodger Yasiel Puig reportedly had his house robbed four times over a 10-month period — with two incidents even going down while he was playing at Dodger Stadium. Advertisement 13 'American Idol' music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were both killed by an intruder. Robin Kaye/Facebook 13 This is the Encino house where Kay and Deluca lived and were killed. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Herzog, owner of the Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, went on to boast, 'Right now I could go to the homes of multiple celebrities and show you in less than 10 minutes how to get onto their properties and inside their houses without anybody calling the police.' This past Valentine's Day, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's Los Angeles area home was broken into by an intruder who smashed a glass window to gain entry. It is unclear what was taken from the house. Advertisement In December 2023, Keanu Reeves was robbed by burglars wearing ski masks. They too used the broken-window gambit to enter his Hollywood Hills property. The following year, three of his watches, including a $9,000 Rolex, were recovered – all the way from Chile. 13 Jennifer Aniston's home was targeted by an intruder in his 70s. The man rammed into the gate. Getty Images for FIJI Water 13 This is the home where an intruder was caught by a guard and held at gunpoint until the police arrived. ABC7 Los Angeles police have previously warned about the proliferation of South American gangs who operate in the city. Such gangs often arrive in the country as tourists, carry out pre- organized burglary sprees, some even stealing to order, and then leave again, with fences moving the stolen goods separately. Police are often left clueless when it comes to IDing, matching fingerprints or DNA to the foreign intruders. 13 Kris Herzog believes that celebrities need to get smart about security. Courtesy of Kris Herzog 13 One of Herzog's police cars and a sign designed to ward off intruders. Courtesy of Kris Herzog This past June, Brad Pitt's home in a gated community was broken into; thieves climbed a fence to get on property and ransacked. In 2017, Kendall Jenner had hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewelry stolen from her, in what was reported to be an inside job. Advertisement 'The unfortunate reality is that the more you have in terms of wealth and notoriety, the more you become a target,' Jeff Zisner, president and CEO of Aegis Security and Investigations, told Fox News. As Max Lea, President of Safehouse Security Solutions, told Architectural Digest, 'These crimes are becoming the new normal. People have to change their response.' According to Hollywood Reporter, elaborate security details for celebrities can run six- to seven-figures. But, judging by the rash of criminal events over several years, it is money well spent. 13 Over the years, Drake has had the misfortune of dealing with bad guys on multiple occasions. WireImage Advertisement Tina Knowles, mother of Beyonce, had her Hollywood Hills home broken into and thieves managed to steal an entire safe, loaded with $1 million in cash and jewelry, in 2023. Marlon Wayans got robbed in July last year. The thieves were so stealth that brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, who was in the house at the time, slept through the break in. He later posted to Instagram, 'They didn't get much because I don't own s–t.' Drake has particularly bad luck with thieves. Over the years, he's been held up at gunpoint, endured his Toronto home being broken into (where a security guard was shot) and also had his Benedict Canyon mansion burglarized in 2023. On that occasion, officers nabbed a suspect within hours. Those who tip off criminals about whose home is ripe for burglary can be surprisingly close, according to Herzog. Advertisement 13 Break-in artists took a safe out of Tina Knowles' home. Paras Griffin 'Every day in LA, a valet, a landscaper, a pool cleaner, a maid will sell someone out to armed criminal gangs,' he said. 'They know the layout of the house, the home security system, which dogs are aggressive. Because these people have been in the houses for their jobs, they know where all the valuables are hidden and when the homeowners will be away — and they don't like their employers. 'That's how, 90 percent of the time, [burglars and home invaders] get away with it.' Advertisement Some celebrity helpers cut right to the chase and do it themselves: In 2000, comedian David Spade withstood a stun gun attack from his own assistant, who allegedly tried robbing his home. Spade later brushed off the incident saying the assistant was suffering a mental episode. 13 Marlon Wayons was robbed as his brother Keenan Ivory Wayans slept. EPA In 2017 he wasn't so lucky as Spade had his safe stolen, resulting in the funnyman losing some $80,000 in cash and jewelry. Herzog claims getting into massive properties is easier than an Oscar winner passing an audition for a Japanese cola commercial: 'When you have a home so large that there are 50 or 60 points of entry – windows that open and close, doors that open and close. Are you really telling me that [the star] is walking around the house [to check the doors and windows]?' The importance of celebrities having physical security guards – rather than relying exclusively on alarm systems – was recently underscored by an incident that took place at the $21m Bel Air home of Jennifer Aniston. 13 On two occasions, Yasiel Puig was playing baseball for the Dodgers when thieves hit his home. Getty Images This past May, a man in his 70s is alleged to have rammed his car through the gate of the star's house, while she was there. A security guard on duty held the intruder at gunpoint until the police arrived to apprehend him. In the case of Tyler Perry, a thermal imaging camera system plus 24/7 security guards managed to chase off intruders from the grounds before they used their bust-in equipment – which included bolt-cutters, a saw and crowbars – to steal the valuables. Herzog insists his clients take things further than merely having a human guard on the property. 13 Keanu Reeves is said to have had his home broken into. Luckily, three of his wrist watches were recovered in far-away Chile. Getty Images He capitalizes on an LA law that allows police officers to do private security work, while in uniform, when they are off the clock. He also cooks up a serious deterrent for clients. 'I have retired police cars,' said Herzog, maintaining his cars are near identical to the real thing. 'Nobody is afraid of a security guard. But if there's a police car sitting there? The bad guys say that they don't want to get shot. And if the cop presses one button, there's going to be 100 other cops from all different directions. Criminals don't want to trade freedom or their lives for getting money out of a house.' In 2025, Herzog maintained, anything less than a uniformed cop in the driveway and 'celebrities are easy targets because the word is out, they make [bad] security decisions.'
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Possible shooting at Encino home sparks outrage amongst neighbors in midst of crime wave
Just two weeks after "American Idol" producer Robin Kaye and her husband were shot and killed in their Encino home, another possible shooting next door has outraged neighbors who are struggling to feel safe in the midst of a concerning wave of crime affecting their neighborhood. Hundreds of people flooded the White Oak Avenue home for a party that had to be broken up by police late Saturday night, shown in cell phone video captured by neighbors. They say that the house has been a constant issue, and despite complaints, nothing has yet been done. "This party house would've been shut down in Beverly Hills, would've been shut down in Burbank, but in LA you can break the law and there's no consequences," said Rob Glushon, the president of the Encino Property Owners Association. "We're very supportive of LAPD, but honestly they need to be tougher. This is an example of when something gets out of control because the law doesn't get enforced when the problem starts." Related: "American Idol" executive and husband killed with their own gun, LA County DA says Police were called to the home for reports of a disturbance, but they said there was no evidence of a shooting upon investigation. Community members say that the homeowner has been cited several times in the past for hosting loud and unruly parties, but they want the city attorney to file misdemeanor criminal charges against him, as they believe he's been renting the property out for parties. It's just the latest issue in a growing trend that has seen the neighborhood plagued by break-ins, burglaries, robberies and murder. A community meeting days after the deadly double-shooting brought hundreds of concerned neighbors in front of law enforcement and city leaders who said changes were being made. Hours later, two homes were targeted in attempted burglaries, including one at a home belonging to former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Teddi Mellencamp. Neighbors say that that the party house is emblematic of Encino's problems in dealing with lawlessness. "That just kind of talks to the issue that we have in this whole community, where there's so many awful things going on, the burglaries and party houses and even murders," said Roy Nwaisser, president of the Encino Neighborhood Council. "It really does break my heart." Related: Suspect in killings of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband charged with murder, burglary In recent days, neighbors have banded together to hire armed security patrols and take weapons training. "We are gathered together to learn and practice and exercise how to protect yourself inside your house and how to use guns," said one woman who wished not to be identified. "Most people I know here, they purchase the guns right now." Their new steps come at the same time that LAPD says they've increased patrols in the area, included officers on horseback. In coming days, residents will join a zoom meeting with Mayor Karen Bass, their Los Angeles City Council representative and more LAPD officers to give a list of demands.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Fox News
‘American Idol' exec murder: Timeline shows police left home minutes before fatal shooting
"American Idol" exec Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas DeLuca, narrowly missed a police presence outside their home on the day they were shot and killed by an intruder. Kaye and DeLuca were found dead inside their home July 14 when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) conducted a welfare check. A friend of the couple had contacted authorities after not hearing from Kaye or DeLuca for days. The police were given access to get inside the gate by the friend, and they found signs of trouble outside. Officers broke a window to enter, and they discovered the couple shot to death. Officers were called to the Encino home twice July 10, but NBC4 Los Angeles reported they had cleared the scene 25 minutes before Kaye and DeLuca pulled into their driveway. Here's a timeline of the double homicide: Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca attended a neighborhood safety meeting the night before the couple were killed, according to NBC4 Los Angeles. "I had a chance to connect with Robin and Tom, sitting at the same table, for about two hours," Capt. Mike Bland admitted during a July 21 safety meeting, according to the outlet. At the second meeting, which occurred after Kaye and DeLuca were murdered, officers promised to increase patrolling in Encino-area neighborhoods. A neighbor of Kaye and DeLuca called 911 after seeing someone climb the fence to gain access to the couple's property. The LAPD dispatched a helicopter and patrol cars. The LAPD flight operator called dispatch to see if the person reporting the attempted break-in still had eyes on the suspect. The LAPD dispatch said it didn't have any evidence of a forced break-in and gave the all clear. The officers then left the property, although it's unclear exactly what time the officers departed. Fox News Digital has reached out to the LAPD. Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca returned home about 25 minutes after the police had left. A second 911 call came through to the LAPD. The caller could be heard saying "someone broke into my office," and "don't shoot me," NBC4 Los Angeles reported. According to detectives, GPS coordinates placed the caller inside Kaye and DeLuca's home. WATCH: 'AMERICAN IDOL' EXEC MOVED TO ENCINO NEIGHBORHOOD 'TO BE SAFE' BEFORE DOUBLE HOMICIDE, FAMILY FRIEND SAYS The LAPD responded to the Encino home after receiving two calls about a burglary. At the time, officers saw no signs of forced entry. "The house is fortified. It has 7, 8-foot-high walls with metal spikes that are welded onto the tips of the walls there. The vehicle gate was closed, also spiked. They had no means of entering via gate code like they did on the date of the welfare check," LAPD Lt. Guy Golan previously told Fox News Digital about the July 10 response. "They did request a flyover by our airship, which did happen," he added. "There were no signs of forced entry during this flyover. And, again, that the suspect entered the property without force and entry. So, there were no signs of burglary. And regarding what evidence there was in the front porch, it was not visible by air due to the foyer having a kind of a cover over it there at the front of the house. So, the airship was not able to see what the officers observed during the welfare check." Kaye and DeLuca were found dead inside their home after a friend called police for a welfare check. Investigators believe the suspect scaled a fence to gain access to the home and was able to enter through an unlocked door. Golan previously told Fox News Digital police believe the suspect was inside the house for about 30 minutes when the victims returned home, and a violent struggle took place. Kaye and Deluca died of their injuries, and the suspect fled on foot. A suspect, identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, was arrested in the double homicide. WATCH: LAPD LT. GUY GOLAN PROVIDES UPDATE ON THE MURDERS OF AN 'AMERICAN IDOL' EXECUTIVE AND HER HUSBAND Boodarian was charged July 17 with the murders of Kaye and DeLuca and appeared for the first time in a Southern California court. The 22-year-old was charged with two counts of murder and one count of first-degree burglary. Special circumstances were also filed with respect to the murders, Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams said outside the Van Nuys courthouse. Boodarian remained hidden behind a door in the courtroom during the hearing. He could face life without the possibility of parole or death, according to Williams. WATCH: 'AMERICAN IDOL' EXEC MURDER SUSPECT CHARGED IN DOUBLE HOMICIDE On Monday, July 21, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed new details during a town hall meeting. Hochman said Boodarian gave his name when he called 911 July 10. This call led detectives to track him down after the discovery of the deceased July 14. He also alleged Boodarian shot the couple with their gun. "As this remains an active investigation and pending court matter, we are unable to share additional details at this time," a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office told Fox News Digital. Encino residents gathered at a town hall meeting to discuss concerns over rising crime in the area. "This murder could have been avoided," Heather Michaels from the Encino Neighborhood Council said, according to Fox11. "The community feels unsafe. They are frightened. A lot of the elderly don't even want to come out of their homes." Authorities noted they have increased patrolling in the Encino area between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
