On July 14, Robin Kay, an executive from “American Idol,” and her husband Thomas Delca were found dead in their home after authorities conducted welfare checks. Friends of the couple had not heard from them for several days and reported their concern, prompting the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to intervene.
Police accessed the property after being granted permission by friends. Upon entering, they discovered signs of trouble and eventually had to break a window to gain entrance, only to find the couple had been shot. It’s reported that officers had checked the house twice just a few days earlier, but they left thinking everything was fine.
Interestingly, just 25 minutes before Kay and Delca returned home, the LAPD had cleared the scene, raising questions about the effectiveness of the police response. Sadly, this incident has led to a broader discussion about safety in the community.
Timeline of Events
July 9
The night before their deaths, Kay and Delca attended a neighborhood safety meeting where they interacted with local law enforcement. Following their deaths, officers promised to bolster patrols in the area.
July 10 at 4:10 PM
Neighbors alerted 911 after witnessing someone climbing over the couple’s fence. The LAPD dispatched units to the scene.
July 10 at 4:43 PM
Kay and Delca returned home shortly after officers left. A second 911 call was made shortly thereafter, with a voice reportedly heard saying “Someone broke into my office” and pleading not to be shot. Detectives were able to trace this call to the couple’s house.
Despite LAPD’s earlier assessment that there were no signs of forced entry, the investigation revealed that the couple’s home had been fortified. Tensions rose as it was noted that the suspect had likely exploited an unlocked door to gain access.
July 14 at 2:30 PM
When police conducted a wellness check, they found the couple deceased inside their home. It’s believed that a violent struggle ensued, leading to their tragic deaths.
July 15
Authorities arrested a 22-year-old suspect named Raymond Boudarian in connection with the double murder.
July 17
Boudarian faced charges that include two counts of murder and one count of first-degree robbery during his first appearance in court. Depending on the prosecution’s choices, he could be looking at a sentence of life without parole or potentially the death penalty.
July 21
A city meeting held addressing crime concerns brought residents together. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman shed light on the investigation, acknowledging the suspect had made a 911 call that was tracked after Kay and Delca’s bodies were found.
Community members expressed fears over safety, with one council member suggesting that this tragic event might have been prevented. In response to the rising crime rates, law enforcement has promised to increase patrols during the night hours.
