Husband of Burbank elementary school teacher allegedly killed by her own son speaks out

A husband remains devastated after his wife was murdered in their Burbank home, allegedly at the hands of their son.

On May 7, around 10 p.m., police responded to a home in the 800 block of North Avon Street. Police found Karyn Lombardo, 57, unconscious. Lifesaving measures were taken, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her son, Kyle Lombardo, 25, was arrested in connection with her death. Karyn was a beloved teacher who worked at Bret Harte Elementary School for over 30 years.

Her husband, Vince Lombardo, remains devastated by his wife’s death, remembering the kind and loving woman who made a difference in the lives of her students.

“It’s a loss to the world,” Vince said emotionally.

Vince and Karyn have been married for 31 years and have two adult children together. Karyn was a popular kindergarten teacher who taught a variety of subjects including performing arts, choir, intervention, and more.

“She has been teaching in Burbank for over 30 years and has a large following in Burbank,” Vince said. “Lots of kids, lots of people. I always called her the unofficial mayor of Burbank.

Vince last spoke to his wife Tuesday evening, shortly before 10 p.m., while he was spending the night in Lake Arrowhead.

“We texted and everything was fine,” he recalled. “I was expecting to see her today, then I got a call.”

The phone call he received shortly after their conversation would change his life forever as Burbank police told him his wife had been found dead.

Detectives determined that Karyn was believed to have been killed during an altercation with her son, Kyle. It is unclear what initially sparked the confrontation, as details remain limited.

Vince said Kyle, who lives in the house with his parents, was mentally ill and police had previously been called to their home.

“It’s a reactionary system and that’s basically what I’ve been told,” Vince said of his son. “Until something happens, you can’t do anything. There is not enough help to help these people, especially when they become adults.

“She loved him more than anything and tried to help him,” Vince said of his wife. “All his students love him. Going through the system here, there were students who became teachers because of her. She’s a very gorgeous person and I think if you ask anyone, I think she’s so sweet and loving to the extreme.

John Paramo, superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District, released a statement on Karyn’s death saying in part:

“During her highly accomplished career, Ms. Lombardo touched the lives of thousands of students, parents and colleagues, who will mourn this loss in the days to come. His dedication, warmth and passion for teaching touched the lives of many students and colleagues. His profound impact and loss on this community will be deeply felt throughout the City of Burbank.

Lombardo began her career as a bilingual teacher at Joaquin Miller Elementary School in 1990 before transferring to Bret Harte Elementary School three years later.

A growing memorial filled with flowers and personal notes could be seen outside the elementary school Wednesday evening.

Kyle was arrested for murder and is being held on $2 million bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 9.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Burbank Police detectives at 818-238-3210.