A Burbank man has been charged in the stabbing death of an elementary school teacher
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A beloved Southern California elementary school teacher died and her daughter, a nationally known mental health advocate, was seriously injured after a man allegedly broke into their home and stabbed them as they slept, prosecutors said.
Sergio Meza Fraire, 30, of Burbank, was charged with first degree murder and attempted murder in the April 20 attack on Arti Varma, 59, and her daughter, Meera Varma, 25, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Authorities say Fraire entered the home between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. while the victims were sleeping. Around 06:00, it is said that he entered the room and repeatedly stabbed both women.
Arti Varma, a first grade teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School, later died from her injuries. Her daughter survived and remains in hospital.
AN ACTIVIST IS ARRESTED WITH OPRAH, BIDEN IS STABBED, AND A TEACHER'S MOM IS KEPT IN A SILENT WORLD AT A PLACE.
Stabbing survivor Meera Varma was spotted with former President Joe Biden at the event. (Meera Varma Facebook)
Meera Varma is a prominent mental health advocate and TEDx speaker who has worked with high-profile figures including Oprah Winfrey, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, according to her website.
He was the youngest speaker in TEDxUCLA history and was invited to the White House to discuss youth mental health. In 2023, she appeared with Winfrey at UCLA to speak about the issue of youth mental health, focusing her work on supporting young people and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Investigators said the attack does not appear to have been random, although authorities have not released a possible motive or whether the suspect knew the victims.
FLORIDA MAN CHARGED TO DEATH AFTER ALLEGED STABING OF WOMAN IN SILENT ATTACK.
Burbank stabbing suspect Sergio Fraire has been charged with murder and attempted murder. (Burbank Police Department)
“Detectives do not believe this was a random act; however, they continue to investigate the relationship between the suspect and the victims, as well as the motive,” said Lt. Brent Fekety of the Burbank Police Department told Fox News Digital.
Although there is a case of burglary, the police revealed that there is no evidence that the suspect intended to steal anything.
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“It does not appear that the suspect entered with the intention of stealing,” continued Fekety.
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Fraire was identified as a suspect following what police described as an extensive investigation that included interviews, surveillance reviews and evidence gathering.
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Fraire pleaded not guilty in court and is being held without bail. He is expected to return to court in June as the case continues.
Slain California teacher Arti Varma was spotted with his daughter Meera. (Arti Varma Facebook)
“Arti Varma was a beloved elementary school teacher who was senselessly taken from her family and community in a horrific act of violence,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
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“We will take all necessary steps to ensure that the accused is held accountable for this brutal and unrepentant attack.”
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If convicted, Fraire could face up to life in prison without parole or the death penalty, prosecutors said. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.
The investigation is ongoing.
