Man charged with mom’s murder – a few days before Mother’s day

BURBANK – A 25-year-old man was charged Thursday with murdering his mother, a beloved teacher, at her home in Burbank.

Kyle Lombardo was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $2 million bail while awaiting arraignment May 22 in a Pasadena courtroom in connection with the killing of his 57-year-old mother, Karyn Lombardo, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Police officers and paramedics went to the residence in the 800 block of North Avon Street about 10 p.m. Tuesday “regarding an unconscious female,” Burbank police said in a statement.

“When police officers and paramedics arrived, they found the unconscious woman inside the home,” police said. “Life-saving measures were taken by officers and paramedics, but the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Police identified the woman as Karyn Lombardo, who lived at the residence with husband and son.

“Ms. Lombardo’s adult son was subsequently arrested … based on information obtained and evidence at the scene revealing he caused her death during an altercation in the family home,” police said. “There are no outstanding suspects or any danger to the community.”

Authorities have not announced how the woman was killed.

An autopsy is pending, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website.

Karyn Lombardo was a longtime Burbank Unified School District teacher, most recently at Bret Harte Elementary. A memorial of flowers grew throughout the day Thursday outside the school, beneath the windows of Lombardo’s kindergarten classroom.

“Over the course of her highly accomplished career, Ms. Lombardo touched the lives of thousands of students, parents, and colleagues, who will be mourning this loss in the days to come,” BUSD Superintendent John Paramo wrote in a message to district families on Wednesday. “Her dedication, warmth, and passion for teaching touched many students and colleagues’ lives. Her profound impact and loss on this community will be deeply felt throughout the city of Burbank.”

According to Paramo, Lombardo joined the district in 1990, teaching bilingual classes at Joaquin Miller Elementary School. She transferred to Bret Harte in 1993, teaching kindergarten and performing arts.

Counselors were made available to students at staff at the school following news of her death, the superintendent said.

The city of Burbank issued a statement Thursday, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Karyn Lombardo, a cherished teacher whose dedication and passion for education profoundly impacted many lives. Her unwavering commitment to her students and the Burbank community was truly exceptional. She will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and all who knew her during this incredibly challenging time.”

Vince Lombardo, Karyn’s husband and the father of Kyle, told KTLA5 Wednesday night that the couple had been married for 31 years and have two children. He said he last spoke to his wife around 10 p.m. Tuesday while he was on an overnight trip in Lake Arrowhead.

“We texted and everything was fine,” he told the station. “I expected to see her today and then I got the call.”

He said Kyle Lombardo has a mental condition and that police have been called to their home in the past.

“It’s a reactionary system and that’s basically what I was told,” he told Channel 5. “Until something happens, you can’t do anything. That there’s not enough help to help these people, especially when they become adults.”

He said his wife “loved (Kyle) more than anything and tried to help him. All of her students love her. Coming through the system here, there were students who became teachers because of her. She’s a very magnificent person and I think if you ask anybody, I think she’s too kind that she loves to a fault.”

In a statement announcing the murder case, District Attorney George Gascón said, “Ms. Lombardo, a beloved teacher in the Burbank community, had her life senselessly taken. I want to assure the victim’s family and the community that our office is fully committed to seeking justice and accountability in this tragedy.”

Lombardo could face a maximum of life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office. (CNS)