Police in California claim to have arrested the man they allege fatally stabbed a first-grade teacher inside her home before then viciously attacking her adult daughter, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
The Burbank Police Department announced the arrest of Sergio Fraire in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 21.
Fraire, 30, stabbed both of the women inside a private residence on the morning of Monday, April 20, at around 6 a.m., according to authorities.
When he was arrested, Fraire was taken in on suspicion for the murder of Arti Varma and the attempted murder of her 25-year-old daughter.
Arti, 59, had taught first-grade at Bret Harte Elementary School in Burbank, according to ABC7.
“She was an amazing teacher, and she loved being a teacher,” Arti’s friend, Cristina Strattan, said while speaking to the station. “She was such a bright light. She was always so joyful, so proud of her kids.”
Police have not released the daughter’s name, citing HIPAA regulations. However, a neighbor who spoke to ABC7 identified her as Meera Varma.
Both women were taken to the nearest hospital, where Arti was ultimately declared dead by medical officials.
Meera remains hospitalized in stable condition and continues to receive treatment for her injuries.
Meera is a mental health advocate who also does public speaking. She has worked with the likes of former President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, and Kamala Harris, the former Vice President.
Investigators said that they were able to narrow in on Fraire as a person of interest in the deadly attack after “interviewing witnesses” and “canvassing and collecting and reviewing surveillance video,” according to a press release.
“He was taken into custody without incident, and evidence related to the crime was recovered,” according to police.
So far, a motive has not been determined, and it is unclear if and how Fraire knew either woman.
According to KTLA, Fraire was raised in the Burbank area and said to be a standout student and athlete.
Andres Pulgarin, a former teammate of Fraire, said he was shocked about the allegations, much like others in their graduating class. “He was a classic honor student, something that you don’t really expect from somebody like that,” Pulgarin told KTLA.
Meanwhile, the Burbank Unified School District released a statement confirming the tragic loss.
“This news is heartbreaking. Our deepest condolences are with Ms. Varma’s students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones, and with all members of the Bret Harte community who may be struggling with this loss,” the school district’s statement read. “Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel or the care we hold for those who are grieving.”
Police continue to investigate and ask that anyone with information relevant to the case call the Burbank Police Department’s Investigation Division at (818) 238-3210.
