Man Murdered Estranged Wife In Front Of Their Son: LA County DA

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Santa Monica man accused of killing his estranged wife in front of their teenage son is behind bars as he awaits arraignment on a murder charge, according to the district attorney's office.

Sean Farzan, 64, is set to be arraigned Feb. 20 in a Van Nuys courtroom on charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Wednesday.

Farzan is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Linda Farzan, 54, on Feb. 5 and she and their son left a religious meeting in Encino. The Farzans were in the process of getting divorced, Hochman said.

After the shooting, Farzan fled on foot and was arrested nearby, the DA said.

He's behind held without bail, jail records show.

Farzan could face a potential life prison sentence if convicted as charged, prosecutors said.

"This was a tragic and deeply disturbing shooting that took place in front of a child," Hochman said in a statement. "No family should ever have to endure such a tragedy. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the person responsible is held fully accountable for this senseless and brutal crime."