BURBANK, Calif. — A beloved teacher in Burbank, California was tragically killed in her own home, allegedly by her adult son. Karyn Lombardo, 57, was found dead on the night of May 7, according to a statement by the Burbank Police Department. Her 25-year-old son, Kyle Lombardo, has been charged with murder following an altercation with his mother.
In an emotional interview with KTLA, Karyn’s husband, Vince Lombardo, revealed that their son has a mental condition, and police had been called to their home in the past. Reflecting on their son’s struggles, Vince expressed, “It’s a reactionary system and that’s basically what I was told.”
Vince also shared how his wife had desperately tried to help Kyle. “She loved him more than anything and tried to help him,” he said. Karyn’s dedication to her students was evident, with Vince mentioning that many of her former pupils became teachers themselves because of her influence. Describing his wife as “a very magnificent person,” he added that people would say she was too kind and loved to a fault.
Kyle Lombardo has been charged with one count of murder, as confirmed by Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón. It remains unclear if Kyle has retained an attorney or entered a plea at this time.
Karyn Lombardo was a respected teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School and had been teaching in the Burbank Unified School District since 1990. Superintendent John Paramo expressed his condolences, noting the significant impact Karyn made throughout her teaching career.
The loss of Karyn Lombardo will be deeply felt in the City of Burbank, where she was well-known and respected by her community. As details continue to emerge, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues.