Encino Shooting: Husband Charged with Murder in Wife’s Death

VAN NUYS, CA – A Santa Monica man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, 54-year-old Linda Farzan-Kashani, in front of their teenage son in Encino.

Sean Farzan, 64, faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of felony child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (Case No. 25VWCF00183). Prosecutors have emphasized the severity of the case, noting the tragic impact on the victim’s family and the community.

Farzan is currently being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment on February 20, 2025, at Dept. 100 of the Van Nuys Courthouse.

Details of the Incident

The fatal shooting occurred on February 5, 2025, around 7:25 p.m., outside a home in the 5100 block of Hesperia Avenue near Lindley Avenue and Ventura Boulevard in Encino. Authorities say Farzan and his wife, who were in the process of divorcing, had gone to the residence to visit someone.

While inside their SUV, the couple allegedly got into an argument while their teenage son was in the back seat. Linda stepped out of the vehicle, reportedly trying to de-escalate the situation, but Farzan followed her and opened fire, continuing to shoot until she collapsed.

Farzan then fled the scene on foot but was located two blocks away near Ventura Boulevard and Newcastle Avenue, where Los Angeles police officers took him into custody without incident.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division and was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department. Given the severity of the crime and its circumstances, prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum penalty under California Penal Code 187(a) (Murder) and California Penal Code 273a(a) (Felony Child Abuse).

Farzan remains in custody and will return to court on February 20, 2025, for his arraignment. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The charges in this case are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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